NEW FULTON COUNTY, GA HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS INTRODUCED FOR 2019

Several Fulton county homestead exemptions were adopted by voters in November 2018 and are to start in tax year 2019.

The following is a summary of those new exemptions:

NEW SENIOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION – FULTON COUNTY

Fulton County homeowners over the age of 65 are eligible for a new senior homestead exemption that increases the basic homestead exemption from $30,000 to $50,000. This exemption applies only to the Fulton County portion of property taxes. All homeowners age 65 or over qualify for this homestead exemption, regardless of income. If you already have a prior 65+ homestead exemption in place, this will apply automatically. If you do not already have a prior senior homestead exemption, you must apply online, in person, or by mail by the April 1 deadline.

Seniors aged 65 + who do not already have the regular senior homestead exemptions should either visit one of the five offices of the Fulton County Board of Assessors, apply online, or you may mail in your exemption application. Whichever way you file, you will need to provide proof of age (such as driver’s license or Georgia identification) as well as copies of vehicle registration for all vehicles registered to the applicant and spouse.

---

FLOATING HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS – MUPTIPLE JURISDICTIONS

Floating homestead exemptions were introduced for and will affect only Fulton County Schools, and the cities of Atlanta, Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Johns Creek and Mountain Park – and ONLY these areas.  These exemptions will cap the annually adjusted value (the adjusted value is the full assessment minus the applicable exemption) at a certain percent over the  determined lowest base year value (the lowest base year value is the lowest value from 2016, 2017, or 2018).   For Fulton County Schools and the cities of  Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Johns Creek and Mountain Park, the annual cap is 3%. For the City of Atlanta, the annual cap is 2.6%. Fulton County and the City of Sandy Springs already had floating homestead exemptions in place. The new floating homestead exemptions will apply automatically to properties in the affected jurisdictions with a homestead exemption in place.  If you do not already have a homestead exemption, you must apply for a homestead before the April 1^st, 2019 deadline.

The cities of Milton, Roswell, and Alpharetta each process their own city homestead applications.  The City of Milton will automatically apply the new floating homestead exemption to properties that currently have a homestead exemption in place.  For properties in Johns Creek and Mountain Park, Fulton County will automatically apply this floating exemption assuming the current regular homestead exemption is in place.  The base year will be automatically determined by the County.

---

INCREASED BASIC HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION – ATLANTA SCHOOLS

Inside the City of Atlanta, the basic homestead exemption will increase for the Atlanta Public Schools portion of property taxes.  Currently there is an exemption of $30,000. The new exemption increases to $50,000, after the first $10,000 in value.   If you have a homestead exemption in the City of Atlanta, the updated basic homestead exemption will apply automatically. If you do not already have a homestead exemption, you must apply for a homestead before the April 1^st, 2019 deadline. This exemption will automatically apply for properties in City of Atlanta with a homestead exemption in place as well as future homestead applicants.

---

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION?

A Homestead Exemption is a legal provision that helps reduce the amount of property taxes owed on owner-occupied homes.   Exemptions are established by state law and voted upon by citizens in a  given city, county or school district.  To qualify for a basic homestead exemption, you must: (1.) Own, occupy, and claim the property as your legal residence on January 1 of the year in which you first qualify for the exemption, (2.) The person applying for the homestead exemption must be listed on the deed, (3.) You must continue to own and live in the home as your primary residence as long as you claim the exemption, (4.) You cannot claim a homestead exemption if you claim one anywhere else, (5.) Homestead exemptions do not apply to commercial or rental properties, or second homes, and (6.) Homestead exemptions apply to individuals and not to corporations.

---

OTHER FULTON COUNTY EXEMPTIONS

While all homeowners may qualify for a basic homestead exemption, there are also many different exemptions available for seniors and people with full medical or veteran disabilities (and their surviving spouses). Exemptions are also available for surviving spouses of peace officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.  Many special exemptions have requirements for age and/ or income.  Please check with the Fulton County Tax Assessor’s office for more information.

---

HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR EXEMPTIONS

Properties owner who do not a regular homestead exemption should either visit one of the five offices of the Fulton County Board of Assessors, apply online, or you may mail in your exemption application.  Whichever you file, you will need to provide proof of age (such as driver’s license or Georgia identification) as well as copies of vehicle registration for all vehicles registered to the applicant and spouse.

To apply online, click here below or go to:

https://fultonassessor.org/exemptions/