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

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office recently began mailing more than 29,400 letters to homeowners about homestead exemptions for the 2025 tax year.

“We’re informing homeowners who may be eligible for a senior exemption, as well as new homeowners who do not have a basic homestead exemption, to apply before the April 1 deadline,” said DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson. “Now is the time to check your exemption status and apply to avoid delays.”

A homestead exemption significantly reduces the amount of annual property taxes homeowners owe on their legal residence. Special exemptions are additional tax savings 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.

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. 

Applications can be filed online from January until April 1; and in person, year-round at all office locations during business hours. Appointments are highly encouraged and can be scheduled online at DeKalbTax.org/appointment to reduce wait times.

Exemptions must be applied for to determine eligibility. Applications received after the April 1 deadline will be processed for the following year.

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. 

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.

For updates from the DeKalb County tax commissioner’s office, follow @dekalbtaxga on Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Bluesky.