What is a homestead exemption?
One of the easiest ways to save money on property taxes is to claim your homestead exemption, a legal provision that reduces the amount of tax owed on owner-occupied homes. File once and the exemption is yours for as long as you own the home. There are also special exemptions available for aging individuals and people with disabilities. You must file by April 1, 2021, for the homestead exemption to apply to your 2021 property tax bill.
Want to learn more and how to file?
On February 24, Atlanta BeltLine Partnership, Atlanta Legal Aid, and Grove Park Foundation hosted a free, virtual workshop on how to file for the homestead exemption. If you missed the live workshop, don’t worry! You can find a recording here. Remember, you must file for the exemption by April 1.
Need help filing? After watching the recording, and if you are eligible, you can register for one of our free virtual consultation sessions scheduled for March 13 at 10:00 a.m. or March 24 at 6:00 p.m.
What do you need to file for your homestead exemption?
You will need the following documents in order to apply for your homestead exemption:
- Georgia driver’s license or valid Georgia identification
- Social Security number (owner and spouse)
- Registration for all vehicles owned
- Proof of ownership:
- Recorded deed in your name (if deed was in your name less than 6 months ago)
- Proof that you are inheriting your home
- Recorded deed in the name of the deceased person
- Will if there is one or birth certificate or other proof that you are an heir at law
- Recorded deed in the name of your spouse and marriage certificate if your spouse is not getting exemption on another house
- Proof that you have a contract that will result in you owning the home and deed showing the current ownership
- Trust document and affidavit if the property is in a trust
- Proof of income (senior and other special exemptions)
- Copies of your previous year Federal and State income tax return
- A copy of your Social Security award letter (if you do not file income tax)
For a list of future home empowerment workshops and to review a library of recorded previous workshops, visit beltline.org/empower.
The 2021 home empowerment workshop series is sponsored by Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Annie E. Casey Foundation.
