Homestead exemption, property tax appeal, what is it and what does it do? What do these terms mean and how do you file the proper paperwork? According to the Georgia Department of Revenue, a homeowner can qualify for an exemption on their home and land underneath. They just have to prove they owned the home and it was their legal residence as of January 1 of the taxable year.

The following is the definition of a Homestead exemption according to the IRS website. Homestead exemption may protect the homeowner of real property from a forced sale or seizure of the property from creditors.  An example, in a bankruptcy proceeding. It may provide for a reduction in state or local real property taxes to qualified homeowners.”

Homestead Exemption, How to Qualify

• The Homeowner must occupy the home as the primary residence.
• Go to your County Tax Commissioner’s website and fill out the homestead exemption application.
• You will need to provide a copy of your warranty deed.
• The applicant must provide a copy of their current Georgia driver’s license with the County address on it.
• The name of everyone on the deed and everyone residing in the home must be provided

You can file the application anytime during the year. However, to get credit for the current year you must file your homestead exemption application by April 1.

Property Tax Appeal

Your property tax is an ad valorem tax which is a tax based on value. The value of each home in your County is established each year by your local Tax Assessor’s office. The collection of property taxes, billing and the processing of exemptions is the job of The Tax Commissioner’s office. A homeowner may dispute a tax bill if they feel that the property tax valuation is too high. They may file a property tax appeal with the Cobb County Tax Assessor’s Office.

When a homeowner files an appeal, fact based documentation should  supporting their claim.

In most cases the County will mail your tax evaluation in May. If you do not agree with the valuation you will have 45 days from the date of the notice to file an appeal. Download and complete this property tax appeal assessment form to appeal your property taxes. The appeal form will allow for a property tax appeal in any Greater Atlanta Metro area. You will receive your actual tax invoice in November. For further information on homestead exemption or property tax appeal please contact Chuck Tanner!