New Atlanta real estate owners: if you’ve bought a new home in 2010, don’t forget to file for a 2011 homestead exemption. This reduces property taxes for homeowners who have owned and occupied their primary residence since Jan. 1 of the tax year for which the application is filed. These exemptions automatically renew each year so new homeowners only have to fill out the form once. Here is some additional information for new home owners in Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties.

Cobb County: Homestead exemption applications must be filed by April 1. Homeowners who meet the basic Homestead Exemption requirements are entitled to a $10,000 exemption in the county general and school general tax categories. Near the end of January, the Tax Commissioner’s office should mail applications to homeowners on record who purchased or transferred property in 2010. If you do not receive an application, you can print one from this website or call (770) 528-8600.

DeKalb: Homestead exemption applications must be filed by April 1. Homeowners may also be able to take advantage of a property assessment freeze to help offset future increases in property value. This benefit will automatically be applied to new applicants who qualify for a homestead exemption. Homeowners already receiving a homestead exemption can apply for the freeze here.

Fulton: Homestead exemption applications must be filed by April 1. Fulton County homeowners who qualify will receive a $30,000 basic exemption that applies to city operating, city school operating, city parks, state QBE and county operating taxes. New applicants can find the form here.

Gwinnett: Homestead exemption applications must be filed by April 1. Most residents can qualify for the S1R Regular Homestead Exemption as long as they own and occupy a home in Gwinnett County as their primary residence. This exemption includes $10,000 off the assessed value on county, $4,000 off school, $7,000 off recreation and $2,000 off state taxes. For more information on the types of exemptions, click here.