DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office mails letters to homeowners about homestead exemptions

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office recently began mailing over 19,700 homeowners who may be eligible for a new senior exemption or a basic homestead exemption for the current tax year.

“One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner in DeKalb is to makesure you’re not missing out on property tax savings. We’re here to help you understand all available exemptions and how they can help reduce your property taxes,” said Tax Commissioner Nicole M. Golden.

“Whether you’re a new homeowner, a senior, disabled resident, disabled veteran, homeowners should check their exemption status and apply before the April 1 deadline. We hear from homeowners who miss the filing window and receive assessment notices with estimated taxes that could have been reduced if an exemption was granted. Filing early minimizes confusion and avoids delays and when tax bills are mailed later in the year.”

Homestead exemption applications can be filed online until the April 1 deadline. Applications are also accepted in person year-round at all office locations during business hours. Special exemptions are available for eligible seniors, 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 senior exemptions.

“We’re aware of programs and businesses offering services that require a fee. If it seems suspicious and too good to be true, please contact my office. These types of scams are costly for taxpayers. There is no fee for filing directly with my office, it’s free. Please be cautious of mail, email, text message or phone calls that appear to be from the tax office,” said Golden.

Homeowners applying for a homestead 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.

Once an exemption is granted, it automatically renews as long as the owner resides at the property, or until a different exemption is filed and granted. DeKalb County homeowners who do not have a homestead exemption, or who may qualify for a senior, disabled veteran or disabled resident exemption, are encouraged to apply online before the April 1 deadline.

How to check your exemption status:

• Access your property information at publicaccess.dekalbtax.org.
• 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 H3, H4, H9, H10 or A6, no further action is required.

For more information on how to check your homestead exemption status online or to apply, visit DeKalbTax.org or call 404-298-4000 for assistance. Follow @dekalbtaxga onFacebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Bluesky for updates from the DeKalb County tax commissioner’s office.