Homestead Exemption for the Elderly with Local Option

Georgia

2019

No Variation in Receipt of Benefits

Exemption

Eligible taxpayers receive an exemption of $4,000 from all state and county property taxes. Through local option, counties may increase the amount of the exemption. Applicants must file the application for homestead exemption between 1 January and 1 April in order to qualify for a benefit that year. Once the initial application has been submitted, the applicant does not need to file another application until he or she experiences a change in eligibility status. The application must be filed with the county tax commissioner or the county board of tax assessors.

Exemption from assessed value

Residential

Only residential property is eligible for this program.

Age

Homeowner

Income Ceiling

Principal Residence

Eligible applicants must be at least 65 years old. They must also occupy their property as a primary residence and have an income of $10,000 or less. The income requirement excludes income from retirement sources, pensions, and disability payments up to the maximum amount allowed to be paid to an individual and spouse under Social Security. This amount is $66,912 for 2018. Local taxing jurisdictions may establish additional eligibility criteria based on age or income.

Local government is unable to exercise an option

Local option regarding program features

Local government covers all of its tax loss

State statutes are silent in regard to reimbursement of local tax loss.

GA101_RR19