How to apply for DeKalb County Senior Homestead Exemptions (62+, 65+ and 70+) in Georgia
DeKalb County Tax Commissioner's Office
Who it's for
DeKalb County has its own senior homestead exemptions that cut property taxes for homeowners 62 and older, on top of Georgia's statewide exemptions. Each one has an income limit. At 62 or older, households with Georgia net income up to $10,000 pay no school taxes, and households with Georgia net income up to $37,500 or gross income up to $40,000 get larger school and county exemptions. At 65 or older, the county exemption grows to $14,000. At 70 or older, households with income up to $113,664 (federal adjusted gross income plus municipal bond interest) pay no school taxes. Georgia net income leaves out much of your Social Security and retirement income, so many retirees qualify. Every DeKalb homestead also gets a freeze on the county assessed value. You must already have the basic homestead exemption. Apply with the Tax Commissioner's Office by mail, in person, by drop box or online; call 404-298-4000.
You must own and live in the home as your legal residence on January 1 and already have the basic homestead exemption. Every senior exemption has an income limit: $10,000 or $37,500 in Georgia net income or $40,000 gross income at 62 or 65, and $113,664 at 70. Apply by the mid-July deadline for this year's taxes. The Tax Commissioner's Office makes the final decision.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Discover my benefitsWhat you'll need
- Last year's federal and state income tax returns
- Any Social Security Form 1099s
- Georgia driver's license or state ID showing your DeKalb home address
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 404-298-4000
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about DeKalb County Senior Homestead Exemptions (62+, 65+ and 70+). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need last year's federal and state income tax returns, any Social Security Form 1099s, georgia driver's license or state ID showing your DeKalb home address — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
renews automatically once granted
Related programs
Other help that people in the same situation often look at.
- Tax ReliefGeorgia Senior Homestead Exemption (Age 65+ — $4,000)Georgia Department of Revenue — administered by your county tax commissioner / board of tax assessors
- Tax ReliefFederal Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled (IRS Schedule R)Internal Revenue Service
- Housing AssistanceDeKalb CARES Plumbing Repair ProgramDeKalb County Community Development Department
- Housing AssistanceDeKalb County Special Purpose Home Repair Program (62+ or disabled)DeKalb County Community Development Department
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.