Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption and Property Tax help

Homestead Exemption:

Following are very important homestead exemption information.  I hope that the information I provide is useful. I am proving links to homestead exemption info per county. Most of Metro Atlanta counties are listed. Some web links may be broken due to county website updates. Please contact me and I will help you track down the proper websites and updated links.

What is homestead and what is needed to apply?

Homestead is a property tax reduction program, intended to keep taxes lower on owner-occupied homes.

In order to receive homestead exemption, you must present proof of ownership, complete a homestead application and provide the social security number of all owners. You must be listed as the owner on county tax records.

Who qualifies?

Those who own and occupy the property as their primary residence as of January 1 of the year for which application is made.

When should you apply?

You must apply by April 1 with most counties (please check with your specific county for particular deadlines) to receive credit on the current year tax bill. Applications received after April 1 will be processed for the following year.

Are there any special homestead exemptions?

Yes, for blind, disabled or paraplegic veterans, senior citizens and some people in military service. If all owners do not occupy the property, a partial homestead exemption may be given.

How often must I file?

Once, unless a form is mailed to you by the Assessor. If you receive an application, it is important that you complete it and return it to the address on the form.

Where can I file?

You should receive an application in the mail by February 1. If you do not receive an application in the mail, contact your county tax commissioner’s office or online for an application and any additional questions.

Cobb County:
Property tax Info search: Cobb County Tax Bill Search
Homestead Exemption: Cobb County Homestead Exemption Forms
Real Property Return: Cobb County Real Property Return Forms

Cherokee County:
Property tax Info search: Cherokee County Tax Bill Search     
Homestead Exemption: Forms available at county tax commissioner’s office :
2782 Marietta Highway Canton 30114 : 678.493.6120
Real Property Return: Cherokee County Real Property Return Forms

Clayton County:
Property tax Info search: Clayton County Tax Bill Search    
Homestead: Clayton County Homestead Exemption Forms  
Real Property Return: Clayton County Real Property Return Forms   

Dekalb County:
Property tax Info search: Dekalb County Tax Bill Search    
Homestead: Dekalb County Homestead Exemption Forms  
Real Property Return: Dekalb County Real Property Return Forms     

Fulton County:
Property tax Info search: Fulton County Tax Bill Search    
Homestead: Fulton County Homestead Exemption Forms 
Real Property Return: Fulton County Real Property Return Forms    

Forsyth County;
Property tax Info search: Forsyth County Tax Bill Search    
Homestead: Forsyth County Homestead Exemption Forms
Real Property Return: Forsyth County Real Property Return Forms

Gwinnett County;
Property tax Info search: Gwinnett County Tax Bill Search
Homestead: Gwinnett County Homestead Exemption Forms
Real Property Return. Click on "PT-50R" link: Gwinnett County Real Property Return Forms

Hall County;
Property tax Info search: Hall County Tax Bill Search
Homestead: Hall County Homestead Exemption Forms
Real Property Return: Hall County Real Property Return Forms

Happy New Year!! Hope you all have a great 2013!

FHA extends temporary waiver of 90-day 'anti-flipping' rule through 2014

FHA has extended its temporary waiver of 90-day 'anti-flipping' rule through December 31, 2014. Per the Notice of Waiver Extension filed with the Federal Register:

"This notice of waiver extension announces that FHA is extending the availability of the temporary waiver of its regulation that prohibits the use of FHA financing to purchase single family properties that are being resold within 90 days of the previous acquisition, until December 31, 2014. This waiver, which was first issued in January 2010, took effect for all sales contracts executed on or after February 1, 2010. On January 28, 2011, FHA extended the waiver through calendar 2011. On December 28, 2011, FHA extended the waiver through calendar 2012. Prior to the waiver, a mortgage was not eligible for FHA insurance if the contract of sale for the purchase of the property that secured the mortgage was executed within 90 days of the prior acquisition by the seller, and the seller did not come under any of the exemptions to this 90-day period specified in the regulation.

Through the regulatory waiver, FHA encourages investors that specialize in acquiring and renovating properties to renovate foreclosed and abandoned homes, with the objective of increasing the availability of affordable homes for first-time and other purchasers, helping to stabilize real estate prices as well as neighborhoods and communities where foreclosure activity has been high. The waiver is applicable to all single family properties being resold within the 90-day period after prior acquisition, and is not limited to foreclosed properties. Additionally, the waiver is subject to certain conditions, and mortgages must meet these conditions to be eligible for the waiver. The waiver is not applicable to mortgages insured under HUD's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) Program".