All Georgia residents are eligible for a homestead exemption on their primary residence. And, depending on the county, there are other tax exemptions available if you meet the following criteria:
- Individuals 65 Years of Age and Older May Claim a $4,000 Exemption
- Individuals 62 Years of Age and Older May Claim Additional Exemption for Educational Purposes
- Floating Inflation-Proof Exemption
- Disabled Veteran or Surviving Spouse
- Surviving Spouse of U.S. Service Member
- Surviving Spouse of Peace Officer or Firefighter
- Homestead Valuation Freeze Exemption
See the Department of Revenue for details.
Senior Property Tax Exemptions
Did you know that “Senior” tax exemptions vary greatly from county to county? For example, in Cobb County, seniors age 62+ have a complete exemption from school taxes. Forsyth County seniors age 65+ have a complete exemptions from school taxes. Fulton and City of Atlanta have limited exemptions for seniors 62+ based on age and income.
You Must Apply
To some people’s surprise, Georgia residents are not automatically enrolled to receive any of the tax exemptions. To apply for any exemptions, the home must be owned by the homeowner and was their legal residence as of January 1 of the taxable year. If there is senior (age-related) exemption, one person on the deed must be the specified age as of January 1 and enroll before April 1 to get the exemption for that year.
Senior Tax Breaks By County
(click on the county name to go directly to their website for more detail)
Cherokee County
Must have homestead exemption. Must be 62 years of age or older on or before January 1st of the effective tax year. If qualified, you will be exempt from school taxes only up to ($446,700 fair market value) or (178,680 of assessed value).
Cobb
Age 62+ This is an exemption from all taxes in the school general and school bond tax categories. In order to qualify, you must be 62 years of age on or before January 1 of the current tax year. When applying you must provide proof of age.
DeKalb
65+ This exemption is $5,000 off the equalized assessed value of property. 65+ qualified senior citizens to freeze the equalized assessed value of their property for tax purposes with household income of 65,000 or less.
Douglas
Property owners age 62 years and older as of January 1st can apply for a reduction of 100% of assessed taxes for schools. And 65-Year-Old with Annual Income Less than $10,000 income – this exemption allows a reduction of up to $8,000 for County tax. Requirements include proof of age and proof that the previous year’s net income did not exceed $10,000 per immediate family group.
Fannin
Ages 62+ senior exemptions based on age and income.
Fayette
If you are 62 years of age by January 1st of the current tax year, you may qualify for a senior exemption that will increase the reduction in the school tax portion of your bill from $2,000.00 to $4,000.00. Exempt from half of school tax at 65.
Forsyth
Homeowners who are 65 years of age on or before January 1 are entitled to a full exemption in the school general and school bond tax categories.
Fulton
62+ county and/or city of Atlanta exemptions available based on income & age.
Gilmer
62-64 Income-Based School Tax Homestead Exemption.
Age 65 School Tax Homestead Exemption Available to all homeowners who qualify by ownership and residency requirements. Available to a homeowner 65 years of age or older as of January 1st. Total exemption from the school tax.
Greene
62+ may claim exemptions depending on age and income.
Gwinnett
Age 62+ income requirements. If you are 65+ and your income is less than 105,280 you will likely qualify for 100% exemption.
Hall
Partial school tax exemption at 62 and 65. Total school tax exemption at age 70.
Jackson
Individuals 62+ may claim additional exemptions depending on income.
Paulding
Individuals 62+ may claim additional exemptions depending on income.
Pickens
Age 62+ School Tax Homestead Exemption limited exemptions based on age and income.
Rabun
When the homeowner reaches the age of 62 years old, they may apply for an additional homestead exemption.
All Georgia Counties
Check out the Department of Revenue’s County Property Tax Facts for Georgia. You can find tax information for every county in Georgia. https://dor.georgia.gov/county-property-tax-facts
Always Double Check
While believed to be accurate, the information here is not guaranteed. This article is not intended to offer tax advice. Homebuyers should ALWAYS research for themselves tax information before purchasing to assure that exemptions are available for their individual circumstances. If you live in an incorporated town, additional city taxes may be applicable.
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