DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office offers information sessions for homestead exemptions

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Representatives from the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office are available to speak to community groups and help homeowners understand exemptions and property taxes before the April 1 deadline to file online.

Since 2016, the Tax Commissioner’s Office has conducted in-person and online community presentations to help taxpayers understand homestead exemptions and their property tax bills. Presentations are delivered to groups such as real estate professionals, homeowner associations and senior centers that are interested in learning more about services at the tax office. Organizations may contact the tax commissioner’s office by completing an online request form at https://dekalbtax.org/request-a-speaker/.

“One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner in DeKalb is to make sure 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, I encourage homeowners to check their exemption status today 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. Additionally, filing early avoids delays and minimizes confusion when tax bills are mailed later in the year.”

Homestead exemption applications can be filed online from January 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.

“I want to remind homeowners to be cautious of mail, email, text message or phone calls that appear to be from the tax office,” said Golden. “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 when there is no fee for filing directly with the tax office- it’s free.”

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.

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