Homeowners face exemption deadline

Homeowners in Mableton and unincorporated Austell have until April 1 to apply for their homestead exemption. Applications must be received or U.S. postmarked April 2, (April 1 falls on a non-business day) to affect the 2012 tax year.

Applications not received by the deadline will be processed and applied in the following year. The applicant must own and occupy the property on Jan. 1 and his or her name must appear on the deed in order to qualify. Homeowners must apply separately for each exemption for which they are eligible; exemptions are automatically renewed thereafter unless there is a change in ownership or eligibility.

Homeowners must notify the Tax Commissioner’s Office if they are no longer eligible for an exemption. It is not necessary to reapply if the home has been refinanced. Tax bills are mailed on Aug. 15 and payment is due within 60 days to avoid late charges. Homestead Exemption applications and tax payments must be received or U.S. postmarked (metered postmark not accepted as proof of timely mailing) by the filing or payment deadline to be considered timely. Applications, detailed information, tax bills and online bill payment options are available on our Web site at www.cobbtax.org or by calling 770-528-8600.

In the City of Austell, Homestead Exemption applications must also be postmarked by the April 1 deadline to be accepted. There is no information on the city's website stating any changes of the deadline.

The city's Homestead Exemption will give homeowners, who occupy their homes by Jan. 1 and apply by April 1, a $2,000 reduction in the assessed valuation of their homes.  Additionally, senior citizens, ages 65 and older, can apply for a full exemption.

As with Cobb County, all applications filed or received after April 1 will be processed for the following year.

-Courtesy of Cobb County and City of Austell e-newsletters