Community Corner
Homestead Exemption Filing Deadline is April 1
Taxpayer advocate offers tips on how to file if you're the owner of a house or condo.
by R.J. Morris
The deadline to file for a Homestead Exemption is Monday, April 1. (You do not have to reapply if you already have a homestead exemption.)
A homestead exemption is a reduction in homeowners' property taxes. Although there is a complicated formula, the bottom line is approximately the first $80,000 of home's total value is exempt and you will pay no taxes whatsoever — especially school taxes.
Find out what's happening in Midtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Without a homestead exemption a typical $80,000 home would pay almost $2000 a year in taxes. With the exemption you would only pay some small bond fees of less than $100. So it really makes a difference!
Be aware though of Property Tax Fraud though. It is illegal under State Law to have an exemption on more than one property parcel, rental property, or vacant property. See below for qualifications. Most people do not realize property tax fraud robs schools of much needed funding!
Find out what's happening in Midtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Qualifications:
- To qualify, the homeowner must apply for this exemption on or before April 1st. Once granted, this exemption is automatically renewed each year as long as they continually occupy the home under the same ownership.
- The home must be your legal residence for all purposes including the registration of your vehicles and the filing of your income tax.
- You cannot file for homestead exemption on rental property, vacant land or on more than one property.
Here's where Fulton residents can go to apply: http://www.qpublic.net/ga/fulton/basic_homestead.html
More questions? Call Fulton County at 404.612.6440.
Mr. Morris, a resident of the Old Fourth Ward, is a tax activist, former candidate for Fulton County Tax Commissioner and runs RJMorrisTaxActivist.Com.
Read more Real Estate news from Midtown Patch:
- February Home Sales in Midtown Patch
- Is Tivoli Planning Development Project at 13th Street?
- Four More Corporate Tenants Added to 12th & Midtown
- Is Metro Atlanta's Real Estate Market Coming Back?
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.