MOVING TO COBB COUNTY GA?

HERE ARE THE WAYS YOU CAN SAVE WITH HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

As a Cobb County resident, homestead exemptions are a great way to reduce the amount of property taxes you pay for your home. But what exactly are homestead exemptions? Homestead exemptions are deducted from the assessed value of the qualifying property (40% of the fair market value). Exemptions only apply to homestead property you own and occupy as your legal residence.

You can have a homestead exemption on only one property. If you are married, by law you can only have one homestead exemption between you and your spouse.

Cobb County Basic Homestead

This is a $10,000 exemption in the county general and school general tax categories. The 2020 Basic Homestead Exemption is worth $273.60. In addition, you are automatically eligible for a $10,000 exemption in the school general tax category.  When applying you must provide proof of Georgia residency.

Cobb County School Tax (Age 62)

This is an exemption from all taxes in the school general and school bond tax categories. In order to qualify, you must be 62 years of age on or before January 1 of the current tax year. When applying you must provide proof of age.

Senior Exemption - Age 64 - $4000

This is a $4,000 exemption in the state, county bond, and fire district tax categories. In order to qualify, you must be 65 years of age on or before January 1 and your annual net income cannot exceed $10,000 for the immediately preceding tax year. This includes the income of your spouse but does not include Social Security or retirement income.

Cobb County Disability Exemption

This is a $22,000 exemption in all tax categories except the state. In order to qualify, you must be disabled on or before January 1 and your annual net income cannot exceed $12,000 for the immediately preceding year. This includes the income of your spouse but does not include income received as a result of the disability; e.g. disability retirement. When applying you must provide proof of income and a doctor’s certificate stating that you are disabled and that you are unable to be gainfully employed and likely to remain permanent.

State Veterans Disability Exemption

This is a set exemption in all tax categories. In order to qualify, you must have 100% service-connected disability, be compensated at 100% due to unemployability, or be a disabled veteran as defined by O.C.G.A. § 48-5-48. When applying you must provide a letter from the Veteran’s Administration indicating the effective date of the Veteran’s 100% service-connected disability.

State Surviving Spouse Exemption

This is an exemption in all tax categories. In order to qualify, you must be the un-remarried surviving spouse or minor child(ren) of a member of the U.S. armed forces killed in any war or conflict or died as a result of service-connected injury or illness (as defined in O.C.G.A. § 48-5-52.1) and are receiving spousal benefits from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. When applying you must provide a letter from the Secretary of Defense evidencing the un-remarried surviving spouse or minor child(ren) is receiving spousal benefits as a result of the death of their spouse.

State Surviving Spouse of Peace Officer or Firefighter Killed in the Line of Duty

This is an exemption for the full value of the homestead. In order to qualify, you must be the un-remarried surviving spouse of a peace officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty. When applying you must provide a copy of the death certificate and documentation from the municipality evidencing the Firefighter or Peace Officer was killed in the line of duty.

How and Where to Apply for Homestead Exemption

Before you apply for homestead exemptions, be sure you meet the following criteria: You own, reside, and claim the property as your primary legal residence on January 1. 

April 1 Deadline - The deadline to apply for a homestead exemption is April 1 to receive the exemption for that tax year.

A few simple steps to apply for homestead exemption in Cobb County:

1. Confirm all applicants’ names appear on the deed to the property.
2. Complete the online application. Be sure to apply for only the exemption type for which you are eligible.
3. Provide a qualifying document to show proof of residency.
4. Where and When to File