Online filing for DeKalb County homestead exemptions opens Jan. 1

Homeowners encouraged to check their exemption status

DECATUR,GA – 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

Homestead exemptions provide a reduction in annual property taxes and are available to individuals who own and occupy the home in the county, including the City of Atlanta portion in DeKalb. Special 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

Individuals applying for a homestead exemption for the first time 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.

Homeowners are only required to apply once for a basic exemption. Once an exemption has been granted, it remains in place as long as the applicant continues to reside on 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 publicaccess.dekalbtax.org.

Applicants applying for special exemptions must have an existing homestead exemption on the primary residence to qualify. Additional requirements include copies of the previous year’s federal and state income tax returns, any Social Security Form 1099, proof of age and/or proof of 100 percent total and permanent disability. Age and income requirements must be met to qualify for all senior exemptions.

While applications are accepted throughout the year, online applications are only accepted from Jan. 1 through April 1. Applications received after the April 1 deadline will be processed for the following year.

To apply online for a homestead exemption, please visit the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s website dekalbtax.org/property-tax/exemptions. To apply in person, appointments can be made at dekalbtax.org/make-an-appointment or by calling 404-298-4000.

How to check your exemption status:

• Access your property information at dekalbtax.org, then 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 Jan 1, and have an H1 exemption, you may apply online for a special exemption.
• If your exemption status indicates an H4, H9 or A6, no further action is required.

For questions or concerns with filing online, please contact the tax office at 404-298-4000 or proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Follow the Tax Commissioner’s Office on Facebook, X (Twitter), Bluesky and LinkedIn at @dekalbtaxga or visit the website DeKalbTax.org for updates.