The homestead application is normally filed at the same time the initial tax return for the homestead property is filed. Once granted, the homestead exemption is automatically renewed each year. Under the authority of the State Constitution, several different types of homestead exemptions are provided.
Gather What You'll Need Homeowner's name. Property address. Property's parcel ID. Proof of residency, such as a copy of valid Georgia driver's license and a copy of vehicle registration. Recorded deed for new owners, if county records have not been updated. Trust document and affidavit, if the property is in a trust.
The Standard Homestead Exemption is available to all homeowners who otherwise qualify by ownership and residency requirements and it is an amount equal to $2,000 which is deducted from the 40% assessed value of the homestead property.
To be eligible for a homestead exemption: You must have owned the property as of January 1. The home must be considered your legal residence for all purposes. You must occupy the home. You cannot already claim a homestead exemption for another property in Georgia or in any other state.
You must be 65 years old or older. You must be living in the home to which the exemption applies on January 1 of the year for which the exemption applies. Your net income, or the combined net income of you and your spouse must not be greater than $10,000 for the preceding year.
Georgia homestead laws allow creditors to exempt up to $10,000 worth of their home under certain conditions. For example, if your house is worth $100,000 and you owe $90,000 on your mortgage, you have $10,000 of equity in your home, and that equity cannot be taken by creditors.
In order to qualify for a homestead exemption, the applicant's name must appear on the deed to the property and they must own, occupy and claim the property as their legal residence on January 1 to be eligible for any exemption for that tax year.
The Regular Homestead Exemption is a reduction of $2,000 off the assessed value for School taxes, and $6,000 for County taxes. The Regular Homestead Exemption applies only to the house owned and occupied by the taxpayer as his/her legal residence as of January 1st.
You must be 65 years old or older. You must be living in the home to which the exemption applies on January 1 of the year for which the exemption applies. Your net income, or the combined net income of you and your spouse must not be greater than $10,000 for the preceding year.
Georgia exempts a property owner from paying property tax on: Items of personal property used in the home if not held for sale, rental, or other commercial use. All tools and implements of trade of manual laborers in an amount not to exceed $2,500 in actual value.