DeKalb Tax Commissioner reminds homeowners to apply for homestead exemptions by April 1

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson reminds homeowners to apply online for homestead exemptions before the April 1 deadline. Homestead exemptions provide a reduction in annual property taxes and are available to individuals who own and occupy the home in the county, including the City of Atlanta portion in DeKalb. 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,” says DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. 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, basic and special exemptions can still be submitted by mail, in person or drop box before the April 1 deadline.”

Individuals applying for the first time must own and occupy the home as their primary residence as of Jan. 1, 2023, have all vehicles registered in DeKalb County, file income taxes from the property, and not have a homestead exemption anywhere else. Applications received after April 1 will be processed for the following year. For all exemptions, eligibility, and document requirements, please visitwww.dekalbtax.org/exemptions.

Homeowners are only required to apply once for a basic exemption. 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. Homeowners may check their exemption status by reviewing their property information online at dekalbtax.org/property-information.

In addition to the basic homestead exemption which is available to all homeowners, special tax exemptions are also available for eligible senior citizens ages 62 and older, disabled residents, disabled veterans or surviving spouse, surviving spouse of a U.S. service member, and surviving spouse of a peace officer or firefighter.

Applicants applying online for special exemptions must have an existing homestead exemption on the primary residence to qualify. Additional requirements include copies of the previous year’s federal and state income tax returns, any Social Security Form 1099, proof of age and/or proof of 100 percent total and permanent disability. Age and income requirements must be met to qualify for all senior exemptions.

Homestead exemption applications may be submitted online at dekalbtax.org/file-homestead-exemption, by mail, drop box, or in person.

Homeowners interested in same-day walk-in service or an appointment are encouraged to use the popular Click2Skip scheduling program. To join the same-day waitlist, please visit https://dekalbtax.org/same-day-wait-list. To schedule an appointment in advance, visithttps://dekalbtax.org/appointments, click the Property Tax button and select an available date. Appointments can also be scheduled by calling 404-298-4000.