Georgia Homestead Tax Exemption

Buying or owning a home in Georgia comes with plenty of to-dos, and one easy win is making sure you claim your Georgia homestead tax exemption. If your property is your primary residence, this exemption can help to reduce the amount of property taxes on owner-occupied homes. The purpose of the homestead exemption is to provide homeowners with financial protection and stability by allowing them to retain ownership of their home, even if they encounter financial difficulties or incur debts. In this guide, you’ll get clear steps, timelines, and tips tailored to homeowners in Georgia so you know exactly how to file and what to expect. Let’s dive in.

What the homestead exemption does

The Georgia homestead exemption reduces the assessed value of your owner-occupied primary residence, which lowers your property tax bill. You apply through your county, and once approved, the exemption is reflected in the taxable assessed value that your bill uses. For state-level guidance, review the Georgia Department of Revenue’s homestead overview on the Georgia Department of Revenue website.

Who qualifies 

You generally qualify if the home is your primary residence and you were the owner-occupant on January 1 of the tax year, meaning if you purchased your primary, legal residence in 2025 or a prior year, you qualify. You must hold title in your name and meet any documentation requirements set by your county. Special programs may exist for seniors, disabled homeowners, and disabled veterans. For current rules and eligibility details, use the exemptions pages on the your county's Board of Assessors website.

When to file 

Homestead exemptions are not automatic. You must apply with your county. Many Georgia counties use an April 1 filing deadline, but always confirm your county's deadline and any late-filing rules on the Board of Assessors website. Filing on time helps ensure your exemption applies to the current tax year when you qualify.

How to apply 

Gather your documents

• Proof of ownership, such as your recorded deed or a current property tax bill.
• Proof of occupancy, most often a Georgia driver’s license or state ID with the property address. Other proof may be accepted; confirm with your county.
• Vehicle Registration 
• Social Security Number
• If applying for a special program, bring required documents like age, disability, veteran status, or income proofs.

Submit your application

• Complete the county’s homestead exemption application. Many counties provide online filing or printable forms through the assessor’s site. Check the current portal and instructions on the assessor's website.
• Submit by the stated deadline. You can typically file online, by mail, or in person as directed by the county.

After you file

• Look for confirmation from the Assessor’s office and keep it for your records.
• Watch for the exemption to appear on your property record and then on your tax bill.
• For billing or payment questions once your exemption appears, visit the county’s main website and navigate to the Tax Commissioner pages.
• Once granted, exemptions are automatically renewed each year. The renewal continues as long as the homeowner continually occupies the property under the same ownership. If the deed is changed, the exemption will be removed and the property owner will need to re-file.

Types of exemptions to explore

Basic state homestead

Georgia authorizes a basic homestead exemption that reduces assessed value, commonly applied to certain school taxes. Counties may layer local exemptions on top. For an overview of the state framework, consult the Georgia Department of Revenue.

County options

County and municipalities can offer additional exemptions by local rule. These may apply to county, city, or school portions of your bill. Amounts and qualifications vary by program, and they can change over time. Review the current list and eligibility on the Board of Assessors website and verify any city-specific guidance via county resources.

Senior, disabled, and veteran programs

Many Georgia jurisdictions offer added relief for age-based, disability, or disabled veteran categories. Some include income tests or assessment caps. In your county, confirm the latest qualifications and documentation requirements. If you want to explore statutory language, you can search relevant property tax sections on the Georgia General Assembly site.

How savings show up on your tax bill

Your bill is based on a simple calculation:

• Taxable assessed value = assessed value minus approved homestead exemptions.
• Property tax = taxable assessed value multiplied by the combined millage rate(s).

Counties, cities, and school systems each set millage rates that make up the total rate. When your assessed value is reduced by an exemption, the taxable portion goes down, which lowers the tax you owe.

Recent buyers and the January 1 rule

In most Georgia counties, eligibility for a given tax year is based on whether you were the owner-occupant on January 1 of that year. If you bought your home after January 1, you are typically eligible starting the next tax year once you meet the occupancy requirement on January 1. Confirm your county’s timing and any exceptions.

Mortgage escrow tips for new owners

Your mortgage servicer estimates taxes to set your monthly escrow. If your homestead exemption lowers your taxes after the servicer calculated escrow, your monthly payment will not change until the servicer updates your escrow analysis.

Here is how to stay on track:

• Notify your servicer after you submit your homestead application and again when it is approved.
• Review your annual escrow analysis and compare it to your tax bill once issued.
• Ask for an escrow adjustment if your taxes change significantly.
• Expect a lag between county updates and your escrow recalculation.

For bill timing and payment logistics, refer to the Tax Commissioner pages from your county's government site.

Quick homeowner checklist

• Confirm you were the owner-occupant on January 1 for the tax year you seek.
• Gather proof of ownership and Georgia ID with your property address.
• Check the current deadline and application method on your county's Board of Assessors website.
• File your application and save the confirmation.
• Track your exemption on your property record and tax bill.
• Share updates with your mortgage servicer and request an escrow review if needed.

If you want help lining up your documents or timing your filing with a closing date, reach out. As a North Atlanta local, I am here to make this easy. To talk through your situation or plan your next move, connect with Taylor Thompson to schedule a consultation.

FAQs

What is the Georgia homestead exemption?

• It is a property tax benefit that reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary residence in your county, which can lower your annual taxes.

How do I apply for a homestead exemption in my county?

• File with your county's Board of Assessors by the posted deadline and include required documents; start on the board's website.

What if I bought my home after January 1?

• Most counties base eligibility on being the owner-occupant as of January 1, so you typically become eligible the following tax year; confirm with your county.

Are there senior or disabled homeowner exemptions?

• Many local programs exist for seniors and disabled homeowners, and some include income tests; review current options on the Board of Assessors website.

Will my mortgage payment drop right after approval?

• Not automatically; your servicer must update escrow after the county reflects your exemption and the new tax bill is issued.

Do I need to reapply every year?

• Basic homestead exemptions usually remain in place as long as you continue to qualify, but always confirm renewal rules your county.