Fulton and DeKalb County homeowners have until April 1 to apply for a homestead exemption that could secure property tax relief.
A news release from Fulton County said homestead exemptions can save homeowners hundreds or thousands of dollars in property taxes.
While all homeowners may qualify for a basic homestead exemption, there are more than a dozen standard and special exemptions available – most based on age (usually 65) and income, some on disability, the release said.
In Fulton, exemptions exist for surviving spouses of disabled veterans and for surviving spouses of firefighters and peace officers who died in the line of duty. There are also several “floating” exemptions that usually add to basic exemptions.
Qualified property owners need to apply or reapply for homestead exemptions if they bought the house in the last year, if names on the deed changed due to a change in marital status – even if the same people still live there – or if the house has been inherited or refinanced.
To apply through the Fulton County Tax Assessors’ Office online portal, go to www.fultonassessor.org/exemptions.
Property owners can also apply by mail or in person at any of the six Fulton County Tax Assessor’s office locations.
Property owners applying for homestead exemptions need the following for a basic exemption:
- Valid Georgia driver’s license or state-issued Georgia ID card. As a supplement to the license or ID, staff may ask for a prior year utility bill or Fulton County voter registration.
- Social Security Number.
- Registration for vehicles owned by and registered in the name of the owner and spouse.
- If the property is in the name of a trust, applicants will also need a Trust Affidavit and trust documents. That affidavit is available at www.fultonassessor.org under Forms and Documents.
Senior and other specialized exemption applicants need state and federal income tax returns, or a Social Security award letter if they do not file income taxes.
Homeowners who already have a basic exemption in place generally don’t need to reapply so long as they own and occupy the home as their primary residence. An exception is the Fulton County Low Income 50% Exemption, which must be reapplied for every two years.
If a property owner already has an exemption, they will automatically receive the best exemption for which they qualify based on the information they file. That includes the new exemption created by HB 581. They do not need to file separately if they already receive a homestead exemption.
DeKalb County homestead exemption applications are also due by April 1 for the current tax year. Letters were recently mailed to homeowners who may be eligible for a senior exemption, a property assessment freeze, or a basic homestead exemption for the current tax year.
“We’re encouraging homeowners, especially seniors ages 62 and older, to check their exemption status,” said Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson. “Changes to income limits that were passed in the legislature went into effect in 2024, allowing more seniors to meet eligibility requirements for special exemptions.”
Exemptions provide a reduction in annual property taxes and are available to individuals who own and occupy the home in the county, including the City of Atlanta portion in DeKalb. Special exemptions are additional tax savings for eligible seniors, disabled residents, disabled veterans or surviving spouse, surviving spouse of a U.S. service member, and surviving spouse of a peace officer or firefighter. Age and income requirements must be met to qualify for senior exemptions.
Individuals applying for the first time must own and occupy the home as their primary residence as of Jan. 1, 2025, have all vehicles registered in DeKalb County at the primary residence, have a Georgia ID or Georgia driver’s license showing residency at the property, file income taxes from the property, and not have a homestead exemption anywhere else. Applications received after April 1 will be processed for the following year.
Applications can be filed online from January until the April 1; and in person year-round at all office locations during business hours. Appointments are highly encouraged and can be scheduled online at DeKalbTax.org/appointments to reduce wait times.
All exemption applications, including property assessment freezes, must be filed by the April 1 deadline to determine eligibility. Applications received after April 1 will be processed for the following year. Once an exemption is granted, it automatically renews as long as the owner resides at the property, or until a different exemption is filed and granted.
How to check your exemption status:
- Access your property information at publicaccess.dekalbtax.org.
- Look for the “Exemption Codes” field. If there is no code, look for the green button in the “Owner Information” area on the page and click “Apply for homestead exemption.”
- If you’re a senior ages 62+ by January 1, and have an H1 exemption, you may apply online for a special exemption.
- If your exemption status indicates an H4, H9 or A6, no further action is required.
Residents in DeKalb who owned their homes prior to 2007 with an existing homestead exemption may need to apply separately for a property assessment freeze. The benefit of a “freeze” is to help offset future increases in property value.
For more information about homestead exemptions, how to apply or to schedule an appointment, visit the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office at dekalbtax.org, or contact the office at 404-298-4000 or proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov for assistance.
