DeKalb County homestead exemptions due April 1

DECATUR, GA. – Homeowners in DeKalb County have until April 1 to apply online for basic homestead exemptions. Individuals applying for the first time must own and occupy the home as their primary residence as of Jan. 1, 2021, have all vehicles registered in DeKalb County, and not have a homestead exemption anywhere else. Homeowners do not need to apply more than once for a basic exemption. For all exemptions, eligibility and document requirements, please visit www.dekalbtax.org/exemptions.

“Homestead exemptions provide significant savings for property owners who own and live at their primary residence,” says DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson. “Now is the time to plan ahead and apply early to avoid delays. Applications received after April 1 will be processed for the following year.”

In addition to the basic homestead exemption 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. Age and income requirements must be met to qualify for all senior exemptions.

Local city exemptions are available for eligible homeowners within the city limits of Chamblee, Decatur and Stone Mountain; homeowners must apply with the local city office. Some city exemptions are automatically included with the county tax billing. For a list of all local city exemptions, property owners can check online at dekalbtax.org/exemptions.

Once an exemption has been granted, it remains in place as long as the applicant continues to reside at 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.

Basic homestead applications may be submitted online at dekalbtax.org/file-homestead-exemption, by mail (USPS post mark is accepted), drop box, or in person by April 1. Homeowners can schedule an appointment or join the property tax same-day wait list. Applicants for senior and disabled exemptions must apply in person, by mail or by drop box, and present Federal and State income tax forms, social security 1099 forms, proof of age and/or proof of 100% total and permanent disability.

In order to accommodate walk-in customers applying for special exemptions, the property tax central office location will extend its hours until 6 p.m. beginning March 29 through April 1.

The popular Click2Skip program now includes scheduling for property tax customers applying in person. Visit dekalbtax.org/location-and-wait-times and look for the Click2Skip Property Tax button, select an available appointment and a confirmation will be sent to the email address provided. Appointments can also be scheduled by calling 404-298-4000.

“Providing an expanded and efficient level of customer service remains one of our top priorities as we leverage technology to enhance the way we do business,” says Johnson. “The pandemic has allowed us to implement new solutions to improve customer and employee safety, enhance the overall customer experience and save customers valuable time in the process.”