Complete Guide to Homestead Exemptions in DeKalb County, GA
Homeownership in DeKalb County, GA comes with numerous benefits, one of which is the ability to reduce your property tax bill through various homestead exemptions. These exemptions are designed to provide tax relief to homeowners who meet specific criteria. Whether you are a first-time homeowner or have been living in DeKalb County for years, it’s essential to understand the available exemptions and how they can lower your property taxes.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different exemptions available in DeKalb County, along with the eligibility requirements for each one.
2025 Homestead Exemption Information Sheet
Table of Contents
- Constitutional Homestead Exemption
- School Tax Homestead Exemption
- Senior School Tax Homestead Exemption
- Disability Homestead Exemption
- Veterans’ Homestead Exemption
- Homestead Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Veterans
- Homestead Exemption for School Taxes (Age 62-64)
- How to Apply for DeKalb County Homestead Exemptions
- Conclusion
1. Constitutional Homestead Exemption
Description:
The Constitutional Homestead Exemption is available to homeowners who use the property as their primary residence. This exemption reduces the taxable value of the home, which lowers the amount of property taxes you’ll owe.
Eligibility:
- The property must be your primary residence.
- You must own the property as of January 1 of the tax year.
- The property must not be used for income-producing purposes.
- You must apply for this exemption once, and it will be renewed annually as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
2. School Tax Homestead Exemption
Description:
This exemption reduces the taxable value of your property for school tax purposes. It can significantly reduce the school taxes you pay, which are often a large portion of your overall property tax bill.
Eligibility:
- The homeowner must be 65 years of age or older as of January 1 of the tax year.
- The property must be your primary residence.
- The property must have a taxable value that does not exceed a specific limit, which is adjusted annually by the DeKalb County Tax Assessor.
3. Senior School Tax Homestead Exemption
Description:
The Senior School Tax Homestead Exemption provides property tax relief by exempting seniors from the school tax portion of their property taxes. This can offer substantial savings for homeowners aged 65 or older.
Eligibility:
- Homeowners must be 65 years or older as of January 1 of the tax year.
- The property must be the primary residence.
- The homeowner must have an annual gross income that falls under a certain threshold, which is updated yearly by the DeKalb County Tax Assessor.
4. Disability Homestead Exemption
Description:
The Disability Homestead Exemption provides property tax relief for homeowners with a disability. This exemption helps those who are unable to work or have limited income due to a disability by reducing their property tax burden.
Eligibility:
- The homeowner must be permanently disabled.
- You must be under 65 years old or over, but with an income limit that varies by year.
- The property must be the primary residence.
- Proof of disability must be provided, such as a letter from a doctor or Social Security Disability benefits documentation.
5. Veterans’ Homestead Exemption
Description:
The Veterans’ Homestead Exemption provides tax relief to honorably discharged veterans who have a service-connected disability. This exemption helps ease the tax burden for veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Eligibility:
- The homeowner must be a veteran who has been honorably discharged from the U.S. military.
- The veteran must have a service-connected disability of 10% or more.
- The property must be the primary residence.
- The homeowner must apply for the exemption and provide documentation of their military service and disability rating.
6. Homestead Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Veterans
Description:
The Homestead Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Veterans offers tax relief to the surviving spouse of a veteran who was killed in action or who died as a result of service-connected injuries. This exemption continues for the surviving spouse as long as they live in the home.
Eligibility:
- The surviving spouse of a deceased veteran who died in service or as a result of a service-related injury.
- The surviving spouse must not remarry to retain eligibility for this exemption.
- The home must be the primary residence.
7. Homestead Exemption for School Taxes (Age 62-64)
Description:
This exemption applies to homeowners between the ages of 62-64 who qualify. It exempts the homeowner from the school tax portion of the property tax bill, which can provide significant savings.
Eligibility:
- Homeowners must be between 62 and 64 years old as of January 1 of the tax year.
- The property must be the primary residence.
- The homeowner must meet certain income limitations, which are adjusted each year by the DeKalb County Tax Assessor.
How to Apply for DeKalb County Homestead Exemptions
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before applying for any homestead exemption, gather the necessary documentation. This may include:
- Proof of ownership (deed, tax bill, etc.).
- Proof of age or disability (birth certificate, doctor’s note, military records, etc.).
- Social Security number.
- Income verification (if required for specific exemptions).
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Once you have all your documents, you can apply for the exemption:
- Online: You can apply through the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner website
- In-person: You can visit the office located at:
- 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100
- Decatur, GA 30032
- Phone: (404) 298-4000
- By Mail: Send your completed application and supporting documents to the
- DeKalb County Tax Commissioner
- Property Tax Division
- P.O. Box 100004
- Decatur, GA 30031-7004
Step 3: Wait for Confirmation
After submitting your application, the DeKalb County Property Appraisal Office will review it. You’ll receive a notification of your exemption status, and if approved, the exemption will be applied to your property tax bill for the following year.
Conclusion
DeKalb County offers a range of homestead exemptions to help homeowners save on property taxes. Whether you are a senior, a disabled person, a veteran, or just a homeowner looking to lower your tax bill, there’s an exemption for you. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements and apply by the deadline to take full advantage of these valuable savings.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner is available to help.