A homestead exemption is a reduction in homeowners' property taxes. Currently, the homestead exemption in Fulton County reduces the taxable value of a home by $15,000.
To qualify, the homeowner must apply for this exemption on or before MARCH 1st. Once granted, this exemption is automatically renewed each year as long as they continuously occupy the home under the same ownership.
>> Download Homestead Exemption Application and Instructions
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
If you owned and occupied your property as your permanent residence on January 1st of this year, you may apply for homestead exemption. Homestead exemption is not automatically granted.You must apply and qualify as an applicant for the exemption before March 1st.
Legal definition of the word
Applicant: (a) A married individual living with his spouse; (b) An individual who is unmarried but who permanently maintains a home for the benefit of one or more individuals who are related to such individual or dependent wholly or partially upon such individuals for support; (c) An individual who is widowed having one or more children and maintaining a home occupied by himself and one or more children; (d) A divorced individual living in a bona fide state of separation and having legal custody of one or more children, when the divorced individual owns and maintains a home for the child or children; (e) An individual who is unmarried or is widowed and who permanently maintains a home owned and occupied by himself.
If you do not qualify under the definition of applicant or you did not own and occupy your home on January 1st, you are not eligible for homestead exemption.
You are not eligible if you or your spouse claim a homestead exemption in another city, county or state. If you are currently claiming homestead elsewhere, you must notify the appropriate authority to remove the exemption. Property owners found to be claiming homestead exemption on more than one property will be subject to penalties and interest on any taxes saved. A homestead exemption cannot be applied to rental units or property owned by a business.
You must be a permanent legal resident of Fulton County and the State of Georgia to claim homestead exemption. Georgia Law 48-5-444 states, "Each motor vehicle owned by a resident of this state shall be returned in the county where the owner claims a homestead exemption."
Please read the oath, sign, date and forward the application to the Board of Assessors. If you are mailing the application, it is suggested that you use CERTIFIED MAIL. Your return receipt will serve as proof of delivery. This office cannot be responsible for items lost in the mail or incorrectly postmarked. Your homestead exemption application must be received in this office or postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before March 1st.
Fulton County offers special exemptions to citizens who are disabled or 62 years and older. Disabled and/or senior citizens may apply for these exemptions with the Board of Assessors before March 1st.
Mail your application to:
Fulton County Board of Assessors
141 Pryor Street SW, Suite 1047B
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3446