Homestead Exemption Filing Deadline is April 1

by R.J. Morris

The deadline to file for a Homestead Exemption is Monday, April 1. (You do not have to reapply if you already have a homestead exemption.)

• For Fulton residents: http://www.qpublic.net/ga/fulton/basic_homestead.html

• For DeKalb residents: http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/TaxCommissioner/homesteadOnline.asp

A homestead exemption is a reduction in homeowners' property taxes. Although there is a complicated formula, the bottom line is approximately the first $80,000 of home's total value is exempt and you will pay no taxes whatsoever — especially school taxes.

Without a homestead exemption a typical $80,000 home would pay almost $2000 a year in taxes, with the exemption you would only pay some small bond fees of less than $100. So it really makes a difference!

Be aware though of Property Tax Fraud though. It is illegal under State Law to have an exemption on more than one property parcel, rental property, or vacant property. See below for qualifications. Most people do not realize property tax fraud robs schools of much needed funding!

Qualifications:

1. To qualify, the homeowner must apply for this exemption on or before April 1st. Once granted, this exemption is automatically renewed each year as long as they continually occupy the home under the same ownership.
2. The home must be your legal residence for all purposes including the registration of your vehicles and the filing of your income tax.
3. You cannot file for homestead exemption on rental property, vacant land or on more than one property.

More questions? Call Fulton County at 404.612.6440 and DeKalb County at 404.298.4000.

Mr. Morris, a resident of the Old Fourth Ward, is a tax activist, former candidate for Fulton County Tax Commissioner and runs RJMorrisTaxActivist.Com.