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FILING FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION IN 2018? |
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Homeowners may need to provide their Warranty Deed book and page, proof of residence, social security numbers, driver’s license, and car tag info. In most counties, to be eligible for the current year, you must have owned and occupied the property as of January 1st. If the property is located within city limits, the homeowner may be required to file with the city, as well. Generally, a homeowner is entitled to a homestead exemption on their home and land underneath provided the home was owned by the landowner and was their legal residence as of January 1st of the taxable year (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-40). Application for Homestead Exemption To be granted a homestead exemption, a person must actually occupy the home, and the home is considered their legal residence for all purposes. Persons that are away from their home because of health reasons will not be denied homestead exemption. A family member or friend can notify the tax receiver or tax commissioner and the homestead exemption will be granted (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-40). Failure to apply by the deadline will result in loss of the exemption for that year (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-45). Exemptions Offered by the State & Counties The State of Georgia offers homestead exemptions to all qualifying homeowners. In some counties they have increased the amounts of their homestead exemptions by local legislation above the amounts offered by the State. As a general rule, the exemptions offered by the county are more beneficial to the homeowner. For more information, visit: http://dor.georgia.gov/ Homestead Exemption in Your County Click on a county name below to visit that specific county's homestead exemption information page. The deadline to file for all counties is April 1.
This will literally take you ~ minutes to complete – take advantage of some down time and knock this out before the new year really starts to take off. You can thank us later with lunch :) Let us know if you have any questions and enjoy the tax savings! Homestead makes for happy homeowners. The contents of this email are intended to convey general information only and not to provide any legal or accounting advice or opinions. An attorney or an accountant should be contacted for specific information on homestead exemptions.
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