Own a home in Alpharetta or planning to buy soon? A few minutes of paperwork could lower your property tax bill every year. Property taxes can feel complicated, especially if you are new to Fulton County, but the homestead exemption is a straightforward way to save. In this guide, you will learn what the exemption does, who qualifies, how and when to apply, and how to estimate your savings. Let’s dive in.
Homestead exemption basics
A homestead exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary residence. In Georgia, most real property is taxed on 40% of its fair market value, which the county assessor determines each year. The exemption subtracts a set amount from that assessed value, which lowers the base used to calculate your bill.
Your actual savings depend on your total millage rate. County, city, school, and any special district rates are combined, then applied to your adjusted assessed value. The higher the combined millage rate, the more an exemption can reduce your tax bill.
Who qualifies in Fulton County
To qualify, you must own and occupy the home as your primary residence. Georgia counties usually look at ownership and occupancy status as of January 1 for the tax year. You may claim only one homestead exemption per taxpayer, for one primary residence.
Co-owners can qualify if the property is their primary home. If you claim special exemptions, you will need to meet age, disability, veteran status, or income requirements as defined by the county and state. Keep your records current and apply as soon as you are eligible.
When and where to apply
Many Georgia counties use an April 1 filing deadline for the current tax year. Fulton County sets its own deadline and procedures, so confirm the current date before you file. Apply with the Fulton County Board of Assessors, which manages valuation and exemption approvals. The Fulton County Tax Commissioner reflects approved exemptions on your bill.
Fulton County typically allows you to apply online, by mail, or in person. Keep copies of everything you submit, along with any confirmation you receive. Once approved, most homestead exemptions continue each year unless you move or the county requests verification.
Documents you will need
Gather your documents before you start. Requirements can vary by exemption type, but most applications include:
- Proof of ownership, such as a recorded deed or warranty deed
- Proof of primary residence, such as a Georgia driver’s license or state ID with the property address
- Vehicle registration or a recent utility bill showing the address
- Identification details requested by the county
- For special exemptions, additional documentation such as proof of age, disability certification, veteran documentation, or income statements
Submit clear copies and make sure all addresses match your homestead property address.
Types of exemptions to know
Fulton County follows Georgia law and may offer local options. Common categories include:
- Basic homestead exemption for primary residences
- Senior exemptions, sometimes with age and income thresholds
- Exemptions for permanently and totally disabled homeowners
- Disabled veteran exemptions and, in some cases, surviving spouse benefits
- Other narrowly targeted exemptions, which can vary by locality
If you believe you qualify for a senior, disability, or veteran exemption, review the county’s current rules and documentation requirements before filing.
How to file: step by step
Follow this simple process to stay on track:
- Confirm eligibility. Make sure you owned and occupied the home as your primary residence by the county’s qualifying date, commonly January 1.
- Gather documents. Collect proof of ownership and proof of residency, plus any special exemption documents.
- Choose how to apply. Check Fulton County’s instructions for online, mail, or in-person filing.
- Apply by the deadline. Many Georgia counties use April 1, but verify Fulton County’s current date.
- Save proof. Keep copies and any confirmation numbers or emails.
- Watch your bill. Approved exemptions should appear on the next property tax bill.
Estimate your tax savings
Here is a simple way to estimate what the homestead exemption might save you each year:
- Find the fair market value of your home.
- Calculate assessed value at 40% of fair market value.
- Subtract the exemption amount from the assessed value to get taxable assessed value.
- Multiply taxable assessed value by your combined millage rate, then divide by 1,000, to estimate taxes owed.
- Compare with the tax amount before the exemption to see your savings.
Example only, not county specific:
- Home fair market value: $500,000
- Assessed value at 40%: $200,000
- Homestead exemption: $2,000
- Taxable assessed value: $198,000
- If combined millage rate is 35 mills, estimated tax: (198,000 ÷ 1,000) × 35 = $6,930
- Without the exemption: (200,000 ÷ 1,000) × 35 = $7,000
- Estimated annual savings: $70
Your results will vary based on the exact exemption and your combined millage rate for Alpharetta, Fulton County Schools, and Fulton County.
After you apply: what to expect
Processing times vary by county workload and when you apply. Once approved, your exemption should show on your next tax bill. If you buy or sell a home, the homestead exemption does not transfer automatically. Apply on your new primary residence and expect the exemption to fall off the property you sold in the following tax year.
Most exemptions renew automatically each year unless you move, change the deed, or no longer meet eligibility rules. If the county requests verification, respond by the stated deadline to avoid losing the exemption.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid these missteps to keep your savings and stay compliant:
- Missing the filing deadline. File as early as possible and confirm receipt.
- Using the wrong address on your ID. Update your driver’s license or state ID to match your homestead property.
- Claiming more than one homestead. Georgia allows only one homestead per taxpayer.
- Forgetting to reapply on a new home. The exemption does not transfer when you move.
- Not checking special exemptions. Seniors, disabled homeowners, and disabled veterans may qualify for additional savings.
Your action checklist
Use this quick list to get it done without stress:
- Confirm primary residence status as of January 1
- Update your Georgia driver’s license or state ID to the property address
- Gather your deed and recent utility bill or vehicle registration
- Review Fulton County’s deadline and filing options
- Submit your application and keep confirmation
- Verify your exemption on your next tax bill
How Good Living Real Estate supports you
If you are buying in Alpharetta, we help you stay organized from contract to closing. We provide reminders for key post-closing steps like filing your homestead exemption. If you are selling and buying, we will help you time your move so you can apply on your new home as soon as you are eligible.
Have questions about how homestead exemptions affect your budget or timing? Reach out. Our team brings local knowledge and a clear process so you can make confident decisions.
Ready to plan your next move or check your home’s current market value? Connect with Susan Powell for guidance you can trust. Get your free home valuation and a tailored game plan for Alpharetta and nearby communities. Contact Susan Powell to get started.
FAQs
What is a homestead exemption in Georgia?
- It is a property tax benefit that reduces the assessed value of your primary residence, which can lower your annual tax bill.
Who qualifies for a Fulton County homestead exemption?
- You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence, generally as of January 1, and you may claim only one homestead per taxpayer.
What is the filing deadline in Alpharetta, Fulton County?
- Many Georgia counties use April 1, but you should confirm Fulton County’s current deadline before you apply.
Do I need to reapply every year in Fulton County?
- Usually no, most exemptions renew automatically unless you move, change eligibility, or the county requests verification.
I bought a home midyear, can I claim the exemption now?
- The exemption is based on ownership and occupancy as of January 1, so you typically apply for the next tax year on your new home.
How do I estimate savings from the homestead exemption?
- Subtract the exemption from your assessed value, then apply your combined millage rate, which shows the annual reduction in your tax bill.
When will I see the exemption on my tax bill?
- After approval and county processing, it should appear on the next property tax bill for that tax year.
Are homestead exemptions retroactive in Fulton County?
- Generally no, they apply prospectively to the tax year for which you file and are approved.
Can I appeal my Fulton County assessed value?
- Yes, you can appeal through the county’s formal process within specified deadlines if you disagree with the assessment.
