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A homestead exemption significantly reduces the amount of annual property taxes homeowners owe on their legal residence.
Applications are accepted in person year-round. If applying online, current year exemptions must be applied for between January 1 and April 1. Applications received after the April 1 deadline will be processed for the following year. To check your exemption application status, visit the property information page and enter your address on the search screen. If your basic exemption is approved, it will be indicated next to “Exemption Code.” If it is denied, you will receive a letter indicating why it was denied.
We receive thousands of applications annually and typically process them by the end of May. In the meantime, please ensure that your motor vehicles are registered to the address of your legal residence as is required by law.
Basic Homestead Exemption
Homeowners applying for a basic exemption must own and occupy the home as their primary residence as of Jan. 1, have all vehicles registered in DeKalb County at the primary residence, have a Georgia ID or Georgia driver’s license showing residency at the property, file income taxes from the property, and not have a homestead exemption anywhere else. Homeowners do not need to apply more than once for a basic homestead exemption.
Special Homestead Exemptions
Special exemptions are tax savings available for citizens ages 62 and older, disabled veterans and disabled residents based on income. Copies of the previous year’s federal and state income tax returns, any Social Security Form 1099s, proof of residency and age (valid Georgia ID or driver's license), and/or proof of 100 percent service connected and permanent disability are required to file. Applicants must have an existing homestead exemption on the primary residence to qualify for a special homestead exemption.
