DeKalb tax commissioner reminds homeowners to check homestead exemption status before April 1

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson reminds homeowners to check their homestead exemption status before the April 1 application deadline. To avoid delays, homeowners can check online at DeKalbTax.org or call 404-298-4000 for assistance

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,”  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.”

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. Applications received after April 1 will be processed for the following year.

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 publicaccess.dekalbtax.org.

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.

“Changes to income limits that were passed in the legislature last year now allow more seniors to meet eligibility requirements for special exemptions. This was made possible by the collaborative efforts of this Office, the Board of Commissioners, the DeKalb Delegation of Legislators, and DeKalb voters,” said DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson.

For all exemptions, eligibility, and document requirements, please visit www.dekalbtax.org/exemptions and download the homestead information sheet.

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.

To apply online for a homestead exemption, visit dekalbtax.org/file-homestead-exemption. To apply in person, appointments can be made online at dekalbtax.org/appointments. Applications can still be submitted in person, by drop box or by mail.

How to check your exemption status:

Access your property information at publicaccess.dekalbtax.org. Next, look for the “Exemption Codes” field. If there is no code, look for the green button in the “Owner Information” area on the page and click “Apply for homestead exemption”.

If you’re a senior ages 62+ by January 1, and have an H1 exemption, you may apply online for a special exemption.

If your exemption status indicates an H4, H9 or A6, no further action is required.

For more information about homestead exemptions, how to apply or to schedule an appointment, visit the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office at dekalbtax.org, or contact the office at 404-298-4000 orproptax@dekalbcountyga.gov.

About the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner

DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson, an elected constitutional officer, is responsible for billing, collecting, and disbursing $1.7 billion in personal and real property taxes, and administering homestead exemptions for the nearly 260,000 property owners. Also serving as an agent for the State of Georgia, the tax commissioner handles all aspects of motor vehicle registrations, including managing the collection of motor vehicle taxes, issuing vehicle tags and titles, and processing vehicle registration renewals for citizens and businesses located in DeKalb County, Georgia.