Many Metro Atlanta Counties Offer Big Tax Breaks For Seniors

Senior Tax Breaks for Georgians

Thinking of moving from another state to Metro Atlanta or perhaps are even a local resident entering your 60s? Listen up! Consider the generous property tax exemptions offered to seniors in several Metro Atlanta counties. Here is a summary of Senior Tax exemptions for the bigger counties in Metro Atlanta for you to compare.

Homestead Exemptions

First, some overall notes about property taxes. All Georgia residents are eligible for homestead exemptions on their primary residence with the amount of the exemption varying in each county. These exemptions can generally save you a couple hundred dollars a year or more, again depending on the county.

Senior Property Tax Exemptions

Additional “Senior” tax exemptions are available that vary by county, in some cases starting as early as age 62 or as late as 70. When the exemptions apply to School taxes, the savings can be in the thousands!

Take Note

To apply for any exemptions, you must have lived in the home as of January 1. If there is an senior (age-related) exemption, one person on the deed must be the specified age as of January 1. Homebuyers should ALWAYS research for themselves tax information before purchasing to assure that exemptions are available for their individual circumstances.  If you live in an incorporated town, additional city taxes may be applicable.

Senior Tax Breaks by County

All right, now with all that out-of-the-way, let’s get into the details for each county, starting with the counties closest to downtown Atlanta. When the county has a large Resort-Style Active Adult community, we’ve included that community:

Cherokee:  (Soleil Laurel Canyon) Complete exemption on school tax at 62, currently on first $409,900 of home’s value; additional exemptions may be available. https://rem.ax/cherokeesrtax

Cobb:   Complete exemption from all school tax at 62; additional exemptions may be available. https://rem.ax/cobbsrtax

DeKalb:   Minor exemptions may be available based on age and income. https://rem.ax/dekalbsrtax

Douglas:  Complete exemption from all school tax at 62; additional exemptions may be available. http://www.celebratedouglascounty.com/TaxCommissioner/

Fayette:  (Cresswind Peachtree City) Exempt from half of school tax at 65. Other exemptions available. https://rem.ax/fayettesrtax

Forsyth:  Complete exemption from all school tax at 65; additional exemptions may be available. https://rem.ax/forsythsrtax

Fulton:  Some limited county and/or city of Atlanta exemptions may be available based on income & age. https://rem.ax/fultonsrtax

Gilmer:  Minor exemptions available based on age. https://rem.ax/gilmersrtax

Greene:  (DW Lake Oconee) Minor exemptions may be available. https://rem.ax/greenesrtax

Gwinnett:  (Del Webb Chateau Elan– DWCE) Partial exemptions may be available at 62. Exempt from all school tax at 65, additional exemptions may be available. https://rem.ax/gwinnetsrtax

Hall:  (Cresswind at Lake Lanier, Village at Deaton Creek, parts of DWCE) Complete exemption on school tax at 70, partial exemptions may be available at 62 and 65 depending on income. https://rem.ax/hallsrtax

Jackson: Minor exemptions may be available. https://rem.ax/jacksonsrtax

Paulding: Exemption from half of school tax at 65 and exempt for 100% of school tax at 70.  https://rem.ax/pauldingsrtax

Spalding:  (Sun City Peachtree) Minor exemptions may be available.  https://rem.ax/spaldingsrtax

So if you are thinking of a move to Georgia, realize that our state is senior-friendly. Many counties have decided that since you no longer have school-age children and may be living on retirement savings, you deserve a break on your property taxes. As Active Adult Experts, we can help you sort through your housing options to make your next move a great one. Call us now at 678-252-9477 to explore the Active Adult lifestyle in Georgia.

One Last Note

This list was last updated November 2019 as an overview of various exemptions available to seniors in Metro Atlanta.  Purchaser must file for exemptions prior to April 1 the year following your closing to receive exemptions.  While believed to be accurate, the information here is not guaranteed. Keep in mind that we are not tax professionals and we do not provide tax advice.