City of Atlanta Homestead Exemption: How to Reduce Your Property Tax Bill

Owning a home in Atlanta is expensive, and property taxes can be a big part of that cost. The City of Atlanta Homestead Exemption is one of the main ways homeowners can legally lower their property tax bill each year.

This guide explains, in plain language, how homestead exemptions work in Atlanta, who qualifies, how to apply, important deadlines, and what to watch out for if you live in or are moving into the city.

What Is a Homestead Exemption in Atlanta?

A homestead exemption is a property tax break for homeowners who live in their home as their primary residence.

When you claim a homestead exemption:

• A portion of your home’s assessed value is removed from taxation
• You pay less in property taxes to the City of Atlanta, Fulton County or DeKalb County, and (if applicable) the Atlanta Public Schools system
• The exemption typically continues automatically every year as long as you still qualify and don’t move or change ownership

In Atlanta, your taxes are affected by both the county you live in and the city:

• Most of the City of Atlanta is in Fulton County
• A portion of the city is in DeKalb County

Your homestead exemption is filed with the county, but the savings apply to county, city, and often school district taxes.

Do You Qualify for a Homestead Exemption in Atlanta?

You must meet all of these basic requirements:

• The property is located inside the City of Atlanta
• You are a legal owner of the property (your name is on the deed)
• The property is your primary residence (you live there, not a rental or second home)
• You live in the home as of January 1 of the year you’re applying
• You apply by the county deadline (usually April 1 for Fulton and DeKalb)

You cannot claim homestead exemptions on more than one property in Georgia at the same time.

Fulton vs. DeKalb: Which Rules Apply for Atlanta?

Since the City of Atlanta spans two counties, the process and some exemption types differ slightly depending on which side of the city you live in.

How to Tell Which County You’re In

Most Atlanta addresses are in Fulton County, but many addresses on the east side of the city (including parts of East Atlanta, Edgewood, Kirkwood, and around Moreland Avenue) are in DeKalb County.

To be sure, you can:

• Check a past tax bill (it will say Fulton County or DeKalb County)
• Look up the address on your county’s tax assessor website
• Call the county tax office and ask

Once you know the county, the application is filed with that county only.

Main Types of Homestead Exemptions in the City of Atlanta

The City of Atlanta area offers several homestead exemptions, but most residents use one of these major ones:

1. Basic Homestead Exemption (Standard)

This is the most common exemption and is available to most owner-occupants, regardless of age or income.

Key points:

• Must own and occupy the home as primary residence on January 1
• Available for single-family homes, condos, townhomes, etc.
• Reduces the taxable value of your property for:
  • County taxes
  • City of Atlanta taxes
  • Often school district taxes

This is usually the first exemption every Atlanta homeowner should claim.

2. Senior Homestead Exemptions

If you’re an older homeowner in Atlanta, you may qualify for additional exemptions that can cut property taxes further.

Typical requirements (these vary slightly by county and exemption type):

• You must be at least 62, 65, 70, or older, depending on the specific exemption
• You must live in the home as your primary residence
• Some programs include income limits (for you and possibly your spouse or household)
• In certain cases, school taxes can be reduced or eliminated

Examples of what senior exemptions may offer:

• Extra reduction in taxable property value
• Partial or full exemption from school taxes
• Additional protection against large tax increases

If you’re in Atlanta and turning a qualifying age, it’s worth checking with Fulton County or DeKalb County tax offices to see which senior exemptions you may now qualify for.

3. Disability and Other Special Exemptions

In addition to senior exemptions, there may be special-purpose exemptions for:

• Some homeowners with certain disabilities
• Certain veterans or surviving spouses
• Others in specific protected categories

These exemptions often have documentation requirements, such as medical or federal documentation, and may involve income limits or proof of status.

When and How to Apply in Atlanta

Application Deadline

For both Fulton County and DeKalb County, the general rule is:

• Apply for homestead exemption by April 1 of the year you want the exemption
• If you purchase a home after January 1, you typically wait until the next year to claim the exemption

If you miss the deadline, the exemption usually doesn’t apply until the following tax year.

Where to Apply: County Offices Serving Atlanta

You file your homestead exemption with your county, even if your address is in the City of Atlanta.

Fulton County Residents (City of Atlanta – Fulton side)

Fulton County Tax Assessors Office
141 Pryor Street SW, Suite 2058
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-612-6440

Fulton typically allows you to:

• Apply online
• Apply by mail
• Apply in person at the Pryor Street office or certain service centers

DeKalb County Residents (City of Atlanta – DeKalb side)

DeKalb County Tax Commissioner – Property Tax Division
4380 Memorial Drive
Decatur, GA 30032
Phone: 404-298-4000

DeKalb also generally offers:

• Online applications
• Mail-in forms
• In-person service at the Memorial Drive office and satellite locations

Because online systems sometimes change, it’s a good idea to call first if you have questions about which application fits your situation.

What You Usually Need to Apply

When you apply for a homestead exemption in Atlanta, be prepared to provide:

• Completed application form (Fulton or DeKalb version)
• Property address and parcel/ID number (from tax records or closing documents)
• Proof of ownership (deed information; usually the county can see this already)
• Proof of residency and identity, such as:
  • Georgia driver’s license or state ID showing the property address
  • Vehicle registration with the property address (if required)
• For senior or income-based exemptions:
  • Date of birth (and sometimes spouse’s)
  • Income documentation (such as prior-year tax return, Social Security statement)
• For disability or veteran exemptions:
  • Official documentation of disability or service-related status, if applicable

Some counties require that your driver’s license address exactly match the property address before they will approve a homestead exemption, so updating your license early can prevent delays.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once your application is submitted:

1. County staff review your application and documents
2. If approved:
   • The homestead exemption will be applied to your property record
   • You’ll see the reduction reflected on your next property tax bill
3. In most cases, the exemption will renew automatically each year as long as:
   • You still own and live in the home
   • You do not rent it out as your primary use
   • You do not claim a homestead exemption elsewhere

If the county needs more information or if something is missing, they may contact you by mail, email, or phone.

How Much Can You Save?

The savings vary based on:

• Your home’s assessed value
• The specific exemptions you qualify for (basic, senior, etc.)
• The millage rates for:
  • City of Atlanta
  • Fulton or DeKalb County
  • School district (often Atlanta Public Schools)

As a general pattern:

• Even the basic homestead exemption can cut your tax bill noticeably each year
• Senior or special exemptions can sometimes result in much larger savings, especially on school taxes

If you’re unsure, the county tax office can give you an estimate once your application is processed.

Simple Overview: Atlanta Homestead Exemption at a Glance

Common Situations for Atlanta Homeowners

You Just Bought a Home in Atlanta

If you closed on your home before January 1 and moved in:

• You can generally apply for homestead exemption for that same year, as long as you meet the deadline.

If you closed after January 1:

• You usually must wait until the next calendar year to get the exemption.

Keep your closing paperwork, as it often has the parcel ID and other details that help with the application.

You Already Have an Exemption and You Move

If you move to another home in Atlanta (or elsewhere in Georgia):

• The homestead exemption on your old home should end once it stops being your primary residence
• You can apply for a new homestead exemption on your new home, following the same county rules
• You cannot keep a homestead exemption on two properties at the same time

If your old Atlanta home becomes a rental property, you should notify the county so the homestead exemption can be removed.

You’re Turning 62 or 65 in Atlanta

If you’re approaching a key birthday (for example, 62 or 65):

• Contact your county tax office early in the year
• Ask which senior exemptions you might qualify for and which documents you need
• Some exemptions begin in the year you reach the required age, as long as you apply by the deadline

This can significantly reduce your tax burden as a senior homeowner in Atlanta.

Your Property Is in an Atlanta Neighborhood Improvement or Special District

Some Atlanta areas have special service districts or improvement districts that add extra tax lines to your bill.

Homestead exemptions may or may not affect these specific charges, depending on how they’re structured. If you see unfamiliar items on your tax bill, you can:

• Call your county tax office
• Ask them to explain which parts of your bill are reduced by your homestead exemptions and which are not

Mistakes to Avoid with Atlanta Homestead Exemptions

Here are some common issues Atlanta homeowners run into:

• Missing the deadline: Waiting until summer or fall to apply means you likely won’t see the benefit until the next year
• Not updating your driver’s license: If your address doesn’t match, your application may be delayed or denied
• Assuming it’s automatic: Homestead exemptions do not apply automatically when you buy a home; you must apply once
• Forgetting to re-evaluate when your situation changes:
  • Turning 62 or 65 and not applying for senior exemptions
  • Becoming disabled but not filing for additional exemptions you may qualify for
• Claiming exemptions in more than one place: This can cause serious issues with the county if discovered

Where to Get Help in Atlanta

If you live in the City of Atlanta and need guidance about homestead exemptions:

Fulton County (City of Atlanta – Fulton Side)

Fulton County Tax Assessors Office
141 Pryor Street SW, Suite 2058
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-612-6440

You can call to:

• Confirm whether your homestead exemption is active
• Ask which exemptions you might qualify for
• Get help understanding your tax bill

DeKalb County (City of Atlanta – DeKalb Side)

DeKalb County Tax Commissioner – Property Tax Division
4380 Memorial Drive
Decatur, GA 30032
Phone: 404-298-4000

You can contact them to:

• Check your homestead status
• Learn about specific senior or special exemptions
• Get guidance on application forms and documentation

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Homeowners 🏠

• If you own and live in a home in the City of Atlanta, you should strongly consider applying for a homestead exemption.
• You file with Fulton or DeKalb County, depending on where in Atlanta your property sits.
• The home must be your primary residence as of January 1, and you must apply by the county deadline (usually April 1).
• Once approved, your exemption typically renews automatically each year, as long as you still qualify.
• Senior, disability, and special exemptions in Atlanta can offer additional, sometimes substantial, tax relief—especially on school taxes.

Understanding and using the homestead exemption system correctly can make owning a home in Atlanta more affordable over the long term.