The Georgia Homestead Exemption is a property tax benefit designed to help homeowners reduce the taxable value of their primary residence. If you own and occupy a home as your primary residence in Georgia, you may qualify to lower the amount of property taxes you owe each year.
What Is the Homestead Exemption in Georgia?
The Georgia Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable value of a primary residence for property tax purposes. Instead of lowering your tax bill directly, the exemption lowers the assessed value of your home, which then reduces the amount of taxes owed.
The exact savings depend on where the home is located, since county, school, and municipal tax rates vary across Georgia. While the benefit amount differs by area, most homeowners see meaningful long-term savings once the exemption is applied.
Who Qualifies for a Homestead Exemption in Georgia?
Most Georgia homeowners qualify for a homestead exemption if they meet the following requirements:
• You own the home
• The home is your primary residence
• You occupy the home as of January 1 of the tax year
• You apply for the exemption with your county tax assessor
If you purchase a home during the year, the homestead exemption is typically applied the following year, as long as the home becomes your primary residence.
When and How to Apply for Homestead Exemption in Georgia
Most Georgia counties require homeowners to apply for the homestead exemption by April 1 of the tax year.
Applications are submitted through the county tax assessor’s office. Many counties allow online applications, while others may require in-person or mailed forms.
Homeowners are commonly asked to provide:
• A Georgia driver’s license
• Vehicle registration
• Proof that the home is your primary residence
Once approved, the homestead exemption typically remains in place automatically unless ownership or residency changes.
For a legal perspective on how homestead exemptions are applied in Georgia, you may find this attorney-written overview helpful from a local Georgia real estate attorney.
Special Homestead Exemptions in Georgia
Georgia offers additional homestead exemptions for certain homeowners who meet specific eligibility requirements. These may include exemptions for:
• Seniors (age-based exemptions)
• Disabled homeowners
• Disabled veterans and surviving spouses
• Certain income-based exemptions
These exemptions can significantly increase tax savings but often require additional documentation and verification through the county tax assessor.
Does the Homestead Exemption Affect Selling Your Home?
Yes, and this is often misunderstood.
The homestead exemption does not transfer to a buyer when a home is sold. Once ownership changes, the exemption is removed, and the new owner must apply for their own exemption if the home will be their primary residence.
This is why buyers may see a projected property tax amount that appears higher than the seller’s current tax bill. The seller’s homestead exemption no longer applies after the sale.
For sellers, this is an important point to understand and explain during the listing process to avoid confusion during negotiations.
Why the Homestead Exemption Matters for Buyers
For buyers, especially first-time homeowners, the homestead exemption plays an important role in long-term affordability.
Buyers who understand and apply for the exemption can benefit from:
• Lower ongoing property tax obligations
• More predictable monthly budgeting
• A clearer understanding of true ownership costs
Buyers who fail to apply may end up paying higher property taxes than necessary until the exemption is properly filed.
Homestead Exemption Rules Vary by County in Georgia
While the homestead exemption is a statewide benefit, the specific tax savings and filing details vary by county. Local tax structures, school systems, and municipal rates all influence how much a homeowner may save.
To learn how the homestead exemption works in specific areas, explore these county guides:
• Chatham County Homestead Exemption Guide (Savannah, Pooler, Port Wentworth, Garden City, Bloomingdale)
• Effingham County Homestead Exemption Guide (Rincon, Springfield, Guyton)
• Bryan County Homestead Exemption Guide (Richmond Hill, Ellabell, Pembroke)
• Bulloch County Homestead Exemption Guide (Statesboro, Brooklet, Register, Portal)
Each county guide breaks down local considerations and what homeowners and buyers should know.