DeKalb Homestead Exemptions Due April 1: What You Need To Know

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — The deadline to apply for basic homestead exemptions is fast approaching for homeowners in DeKalb County.

DeKalb homeowners have until April 1 to apply for these exemptions, as well as for some special tax exemptions, according to DeKalb Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson.

Special tax exemptions include the following:

• DeKalb residents age 62 and older;
• DeKalb residents age 65 and older (separate category from the age 62 and up exemption);
• Disabled veterans or surviving spouses;
• Surviving spouse of a U.S. service member;
• Surviving spouse of a peace officer or firefighter; and
• DeKalb residents with disabilities.

Age and income requirements must be met to qualify for all senior exemptions.

Those applying for a basic homestead exemption for the first time must own and occupy the home as their primary residence as of Jan. 1 of this year; have all vehicles registered in DeKalb County; and not have a homestead exemption anywhere else, per the tax commissioner.

What is a basic homestead exemption?

A basic homestead exemption is an exemption a homeowner can claim against the taxable value of their home, according to Johnson — essentially lowering a homeowner's property tax bill.

Who is eligible for a basic homestead exemption?

Anyone who owns and lives in a home in DeKalb County — regardless of age or income level — is eligible for a basic homestead exemption, according to the DeKalb tax commissioner website. To qualify, the property must be the legal residence for all purposes, including tax filings, registering vehicles and registering to vote, by Jan. 1 of each year.

Homeowners do not need to apply for the basic exemption more than once. It remains in place as long as the homeowner continues living at that home, or until they apply for and receive a different exemption.

If the homeowner moves, a new homestead exemption application must be submitted.

How do I apply?

Basic homestead applications may be submitted online at the DeKalb tax commissioner website, by mail via the United States Postal Service, drop box, or in person by April 1. Applications are accepted year-round, but applications received after April 1 will be processed the following year.

Applicants for senior or disabled exemptions must apply in person, by mail or by drop box, and must provide the following: federal and state income tax forms; Social Security 1099 forms; proof of age and/or proof of 100 percent total and permanent disability.

The county Click2Skip program now includes scheduling for property tax customers applying in person. Visit the website and look for the property tax button, select an available appointment and a confirmation will be sent via email. Appointments can also be scheduled by calling 404-298-4000.

Are there any other exemptions I can apply for?

Some DeKalb County cities offer local homestead exemptions in addition to the county exemptions, or along with the county's exemptions. Some city exemptions are automatically included with the county tax billing.

Each city has individual websites to apply for homestead exemptions, many of which also share an April 1 deadline. Visit your city website for more information, and see this list from the DeKalb tax commissioner about city exemptions.