DeKalb Tax Commissioner: Deadline to file for exemptions is April 3

DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson is reminding residents that all homestead applications must be received by the April 3 deadline in order for the exemptions to be granted and applied to the 2017 annual property taxes. Although applications are accepted year round, any approved application received after the April 3 deadline will be granted for the 2018 tax year.

DeKalb residents who owned and resided in their property on Jan. 1, 2017 may qualify for a basic homestead exemption. The homestead exemption, which provides a significant tax savings to homeowners, must be applied for in person, by mail or via the internet. Exemptions are not automatically granted. Neither mortgage nor any other companies can file applications for property owners. By law, exemptions are not available for rental or commercial property and there is never a fee to file. Please note, if an exemption is in place, there is no need to re-apply; the exemption remains in place as long as you own and occupy the property.

In addition to the basic homestead exemption, there are special exemptions for citizens age 62 or older, disabled veterans, their widows or widowers, disabled residents, as well as for spouses of peace officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. Applicant(s) for these special exemptions must apply in person so that required documentation can be reviewed. Senior or disability exemptions must present copies of the previous year’s federal and state income tax returns, all Social Security Form 1099s, proof of age and/or proof of 100 percent total and permanent disability. Disabled veterans should also be prepared to provide a letter of adjudication or other documentation regarding disability or widow(er) status. If disabled, disability must be 100 percent permanent and total.

For more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/taxcommissioner or call the Tax Commissioner’s office at 404-298-4000 or email proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov for assistance.