How do I qualify for Homestead Exemption?

Applications, instructions and information are available on this website. The applicant's name must appear on the deed to the property and they must own, occupy and claim the property as their legal residence on January 1 to be eligible for any exemption for that tax year. Exemptions are not automatic and each exemption must be applied for separately. Legal evidence of residency and U. S. citizenship such as a copy of a Georgia Driver's License or Georgia ID Card, etc. must be provided. A non-citizen must provide legal authorization from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service such as an Alien or I94 number.

A current registration or receipt of motor vehicle taxes paid in Banks County must be provided for all personal vehicles owned at the time of application. The applicant may claim exemptions on only one property. A husband and wife constitute one "applicant" and may claim only one exemption. Exemptions are automatically renewed and the applicant need not reapply if the home has been refinanced. The Tax Commissioner's office must be notified in the event the applicant no longer qualifies.

Exemption applications are accepted year-round; however, the original application (faxed or emailed copy not accepted) must be received or U. S. postmarked (a metered postmark is not accepted as proof of timely mailing) by April 1, 2015 to affect the 2015 taxes. Applications not received by the deadline will be processed for the following tax year.