How to apply for Georgia Senior Homestead Exemption (Age 65+ — $4,000)

Who it's for

Georgia homeowners who own and live in their home as their primary residence can claim a homestead exemption that lowers their property taxes. Every resident homeowner qualifies for a standard $2,000 exemption from county and school taxes. Homeowners 65 and older may claim an additional $4,000 exemption from all county property taxes if their income (and their spouse's) did not exceed $10,000 for the prior year — and most retirement, pension, and Social Security income is excluded from that $10,000 count, so many seniors on a fixed income qualify. Seniors 62 and older may also claim added exemptions for school taxes, and a separate floating inflation-proof exemption is available at 62+ with income under $30,000. Many Georgia counties offer larger local senior exemptions on top of these, so it's worth checking with your county tax commissioner. Apply once with your county tax commissioner; the exemption then renews automatically as long as you qualify.

What you'll need

• Proof of age (driver's license or birth certificate)
• Proof the home is your primary residence (Georgia driver's license showing the address, voter registration, or car registration)
• Proof of prior-year income (for the income-tested exemptions)
• Recorded deed or proof of ownership

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Georgia Senior Homestead Exemption (Age 65+ — $4,000). 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 proof of age (driver's license or birth certificate), proof the home is your primary residence (Georgia driver's license showing the address, voter registration, or car registration), proof of prior-year income (for the income-tested exemptions) — 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.

Step by step

1. Gather your required documents: a proof of age (driver's license or birth certificate), proof that the home is your primary residence (a Georgia driver's license showing the address, voter registration, or car registration), proof of prior-year income for any income-tested exemptions, and your recorded deed or other proof of ownership.
2. Check with your county tax commissioner to find out if your county offers larger local senior exemptions on top of the state exemptions — many Georgia counties do.
3. Apply with your county tax commissioner online or by phone at 404-724-7000.
4. Submit all required documents along with your application so your eligibility can be confirmed.
5. Keep a copy of everything you submit for your own records.

What to expect: After submitting your application, your county tax commissioner or board of tax assessors will review your documents and determine your eligibility. Processing times vary, so contact your county office for an estimate of when to expect a decision. If approved, the exemption will be applied to your property tax bill. The good news is that you only need to apply once — the exemption renews automatically each year as long as you continue to qualify. If your situation changes (for example, the home is no longer your primary residence), notify your county tax commissioner right away.

Renewals

one-time application; renews automatically while you qualify