FAQs

Can I have homestead on two properties?: No you cannot have homestead on two properties. Neither you or your spouse can legally claim homestead on two separate properties by claiming one property in one spouse's name and the other property in the other spouse's name. Homestead may be granted on the property considered to be your primary residence. If any taxpayer is found to be receiving homestead on two or more properties, or on a property they do not permanently reside in, the Tax Assessor's office reserves the right to fine them two times the savings per year for three years that double exemption was received.

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Tax Assessor

1. Can I file homestead for my spouse?: Only one person is required to actually come in the office or apply online to file for homestead. However, that person must be listed on the deed of the property to sign the application. That person must provide a copy of driver’s license for themselves, their spouse, and all other persons listed on the deed. Click here to apply online. (Note: you have to search for your specific property, once found, there will be a blue button in the upper left corner labeled "Apply for Homestead")

2. Can I have homestead on two properties?: No you cannot have homestead on two properties. Neither you or your spouse can legally claim homestead on two separate properties by claiming one property in one spouse's name and the other property in the other spouse's name. Homestead may be granted on the property considered to be your primary residence. If any taxpayer is found to be receiving homestead on two or more properties, or on a property they do not permanently reside in, the Tax Assessor's office reserves the right to fine them two times the savings per year for three years that double exemption was received.

3. Do I qualify for a Disabled Veterans Exemption?: In order to qualify for the Disabled Veterans Exemption, you must have documentation from the Department of Veteran Affairs stating that you are 100% disabled from a wartime conflict.

4. Will everyone receive an Assessment Notice?: Yes. Every property owner in the state of Georgia will receive a standardized Assessment Notice from the county where your property is located. Stay abreast by checking our website page for the announcement of when they are mailed out and the Appeal deadline date.

5. What is a Real Estate Property Tax Return?: Every property owner in Georgia has the right to declare your fair market value every year between January 1 and April 1.

6. Does it have anything to do with my Income Taxes?: No. Property Tax Returns do not have anything to do with your income taxes.

7. What will happen to my assessment if I improve my property?: Your property values may go up or down depending on the changes made to your property.

8. What do I need to bring to file homestead?: When coming in the office or going online to file for homestead, you must provide proof of identity and residency. Please provide a valid driver's license for yourself, your spouse, and all other persons listed on the deed, and a current utility bill with your name and property address on it. Please make sure vehicle registration and voters registration have an up to date address. If you are 62 or older and claiming the senior exemption with income requirements, you will need to bring in a copy of your most recent combined household federal income tax return (1040 form). The authorized income values are determined by the Georgia Department of Revenue and may change annually. Contact our office for the most accurate figures. For addition information on what to bring - please click here or call our office at 912-754-2125.

9. When do I need to contact the Tax Commissioner's office?: If you are inquiring about the amount due on your property taxes; need a receipt of payment of property taxes or to discuss a lien on your property, you will need to contact the Tax Commissioner's office at 754-2121 or by referring to their website.

10. What is the deadline to file for Homestead Exemptions?: The Tax Assessor's office accepts homestead exemption applications year round. The applicant applying for homestead exemption must have owned and permanently resided on the property as of January 1st, and must have applied by April 1st for the homestead to take effect that year. If the application did meet those deadlines, the homestead application will go into effect the following year. The file deadline is NOT ADJUSTABLE for any circumstance. (NOTE: homestead is NOT automatically given. The taxpayer MUST sign the application and provided the appropriate supporting documents by these deadlines in order for the homestead to be applied to their account.)

11. Can I appeal my property tax bill?: A tax appeal is not an appeal of your tax bill. The amount of taxes you pay is never an issue during an appeal because neither the Tax Assessor nor County Tax Board has control over budgets submitted by municipalities, schools, counties or fire districts. You may however appeal your property value. Please go to our Assessment Appeals Process page for more information.

12. Can I be present when an Appraiser reviews my property?: Yes. Due to the large number of parcels we serve, please contact our office to speak with an appraiser. They will be able to set up an appointment that is feasible for both parties. Our office phone number is 912-754-2125