DeKalb County homeowners should check their homestead exemption status before the April 1 application deadline to see if they are eligible to receive special exemptions, said DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson.
Exemptions provide a reduction in annual property taxes and are available to individuals who own and occupy a home in the county, including the city of Atlanta portion of DeKalb County, stated officials. Additional special exemptions are also available for eligible seniors ages 62 and older, disabled residents, and disabled veterans.
“Homestead exemptions provide significant savings for property owners who own and live at their primary residence,” said Johnson. “Homeowners who do not have an existing homestead exemption may contact my office or visit the office’s website to review their exemption status. While we encourage homeowners to apply online to avoid delays, applications can still be submitted in person, by mail or drop box before the April 1 deadline.”
Surviving spouses of a U.S. service members as well as surviving spouses of law enforcement or firefighters may also be eligible for certain exemptions, said officials.
Individuals applying for the first time must own and occupy the home as their primary residence as of Jan. 1, 2024, have all vehicles registered in DeKalb County, file income taxes from the property, and not have a homestead exemption anywhere else, according to the county tax commissioner’s website.
Homeowners are only required to apply once for a basic exemption and once an exemption has been granted, it remains in place as long as the applicant continues to reside on the property, or until a different exemption is applied for and received, said officials.
“Changes to income limits that were passed in the legislature last year now allow more people to meet eligibility requirements for special exemptions,” said Johnson.
Applicants applying online for special exemptions must have an existing homestead…
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