Habersham County homeowners are being reminded that the deadline to apply for a homestead exemption for the current tax year is April 1.
Homestead exemptions are designed to reduce the burden of ad valorem property taxes for homeowners who own and occupy their property as their legal residence. While applications may be filed at any time during the year, only those submitted by April 1 will apply to this year’s property taxes.
To qualify, homeowners must have owned and lived in the home as of January 1. If multiple people own and reside in the home, only one owner needs to apply, but that individual must be listed on the deed.
How to Apply
Residents must complete an initial application and bring it in person to the Habersham County Tax Assessors Office, located at:
130 Jacob’s Way, Suite 201
Clarkesville, GA 30523
Local exemption forms will be completed at the office. Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- A valid driver’s license
- A certificate of occupancy (required only for newly constructed homes)
Once approved, the homestead exemption automatically renews each year. However, homeowners must reapply if there is a change in ownership, residency, or eligibility.
Important Reminders
Homeowners are responsible for notifying the Tax Assessors Office if they become ineligible for any reason, such as moving or transferring ownership of the property.
Additionally, those who qualify for income-based exemptions will need to submit income documentation every five years as part of a periodic audit process.
Residents who live within city limits are also encouraged to check with their respective city governments, as additional homestead exemptions may be available for municipal taxes.
Types of Exemptions Available
Habersham County offers a range of exemptions, including:
- Standard exemptions for owner-occupied homes
- Additional exemptions for seniors age 62 and older
- Income-based exemptions for qualifying residents
- Significant exemptions for disabled veterans and surviving spouses of service members or first responders
Some local exemptions also provide enhanced benefits for seniors and disabled residents, including partial or full exemptions on certain property taxes depending on eligibility.
Questions or More Information
For more information or assistance, residents can contact the Habersham County Tax Assessors Office at 706-839-0100.
With the April 1 deadline approaching, eligible homeowners are encouraged to apply soon to ensure they receive the tax savings available for this year.
