Fulton County Homestead Exemption: A Simple Guide

If you own a home in Fulton County, the homestead exemption is one of the easiest ways to lower your property tax bill. Many first-year owners miss the April 1 deadline or are not sure which exemption they qualify for. You deserve a clear, simple path that helps you file on time and keep more money in your pocket. In this guide, you will learn who qualifies, how and when to apply, how savings are calculated, and what South Fulton homeowners should double-check. Let’s dive in.

Homestead exemption basics

A homestead exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary residence, which lowers your annual property tax. In Georgia, residential property is generally assessed at 40 percent of fair market value for ad valorem taxes. Your exemption is applied to that assessed value and can affect county, city, school, and other local taxes.

Your total tax comes from the combined millage rates set by each taxing authority. The exemption lowers the assessed value used to calculate those taxes. That is why filing by the deadline is important.

Who qualifies in Fulton County

Most owner-occupants can qualify for a basic homestead exemption if the home is your primary residence. You must own and occupy the property by the April 1 deadline for the tax year. Be ready to show proof of ownership and Georgia residency at the property address.

Some homeowners can qualify for additional relief, such as senior exemptions, disabled or disabled-veteran exemptions, or other special cases. These often require extra documentation like proof of age or disability. Always confirm the current rules with the Fulton County Tax Assessor.

Exemption types to know

Basic homestead

• Available to owner-occupants who use the home as a primary residence.
• Requires proof of ownership and residency by the deadline.
• Reduces the taxable assessed value. The exact amount varies by jurisdiction.

Senior and elderly relief

• Often for homeowners age 62 or 65 and older, sometimes with income limits.
• May reduce assessed value or freeze certain school taxes, depending on the program.
• Typically requires proof of age and, if income-based, documentation of income.

Disabled and disabled-veteran

• Disabled homeowners may qualify with verification of total and permanent disability.
• Disabled veterans with a qualifying service-connected disability rating may be eligible for significant relief. VA documentation is usually required.
• Requirements and amounts depend on current county and state provisions.

Surviving spouse and special cases

• Some exemptions exist for surviving spouses of certain veterans, for blind homeowners, or for other special situations.
• Documentation can include a death certificate or other proof, depending on the exemption.

Local and city-level exemptions

• Fulton County exemptions can differ from city or school district provisions.
• If you live in the City of South Fulton, confirm whether the city offers additional relief and how it interacts with county and school taxes.

How and when to apply

Key deadline: April 1

• Apply by April 1 to receive the exemption for that tax year. If you miss it, you can file for the next year.
• New owners: if you close before April 1 and meet the residency requirement on April 1, you may qualify for that year. If you close after April 1, plan to file for the following year.

Where and how to file

• Online filing is typically the fastest method through the Fulton County Board of Assessors.
• You can also submit by mail or in person at the tax assessor’s office.
• The county may verify your ownership and residency and can request additional documents.

Step-by-step filing

1. Confirm ownership and parcel ID using your deed or closing statement and the parcel number on your tax bill or county records.
2. Identify exemptions you may qualify for: basic homestead, senior, disabled, disabled-veteran, or other special provisions.
3. Gather required documents listed in the checklist below.
4. Complete the Fulton County homestead exemption application. Online is recommended.
5. Submit by April 1 and save your confirmation number or a copy of your application.
6. After approvals are processed, check your property record or tax bill to confirm the exemption is listed.
7. If denied, contact the Fulton County Tax Assessor for the reason and next steps. Appeal options and timelines are available.

New homeowner timeline

• Within 30 days of closing: update your Georgia driver’s license or state ID and voter registration to the property address.
• By March: select the exemptions you qualify for and gather documents.
• By April 1: submit your application and keep your confirmation.
• Spring to summer: verify the exemption appears on your property record or tax bill.

Filing checklist

Use this quick list to prepare your application. Provide only what is requested and protect sensitive information where possible.

• Proof of ownership: recorded deed or settlement statement with recording info.
• Georgia ID with the property address or a voter registration card showing the address.
• Government-issued photo ID.
• Last four digits of your Social Security Number if the application requests it.
• For senior exemptions: proof of age such as a driver’s license or birth certificate.
• For disability exemptions: Social Security disability award letter or physician certification.
• For disabled-veteran exemptions: VA disability letter showing service-connected rating.
• For income-based or special exemptions: income documentation, death certificate for certain surviving spouse cases, or other required proof.

How savings are calculated

Georgia applies a 40 percent assessment ratio to fair market value for residential property. Your exemption reduces the assessed value, not the fair market value. The reduced assessed value is then multiplied by the combined millage rate to produce your tax.

Worked example 1 - illustration only

• Fair market value: $300,000
• Assessed value at 40 percent: $300,000 × 0.40 = $120,000
• Hypothetical exemption: $10,000 applied to assessed value
• New taxable assessed value: $120,000 − $10,000 = $110,000
• Hypothetical combined mill rate: 30.00 mills = $30 per $1,000
• Tax before exemption: $120,000 ÷ 1,000 × $30 = $3,600
• Tax after exemption: $110,000 ÷ 1,000 × $30 = $3,300
• Annual savings: $300

Worked example 2 - same exemption, different value

• Fair market value: $400,000
• Assessed value at 40 percent: $160,000
• With the same $10,000 exemption and 30.00 mills, savings still equal $300 because the exemption amount times the millage rate drives the savings.

Key takeaway: a flat-dollar exemption saves you the exemption amount divided by 1,000, multiplied by the combined millage rate. Your home’s fair market value matters for your total tax, but the exemption savings depend on the exemption’s value and the millage rate.

South Fulton homeowner tips

• Confirm city details: if you live in the City of South Fulton, check whether the city offers any additional exemptions or has local millage considerations that affect your total bill.
• Verify in two places: use your parcel ID to review both county and city records to make sure your exemption is recorded correctly.
• Plan early: update your Georgia ID and voter registration promptly after closing so your documents match your property address before you file.

If you move, rent, or get denied

Homestead exemptions apply only to owner-occupied primary residences. If you move or convert the property to a rental, the exemption will be removed. When you buy another primary residence in Georgia, you may apply for a new exemption at that property.

If your application is denied, contact the Fulton County Tax Assessor to learn why. If you disagree with a decision or with your assessed value, appeal options exist and must be pursued within published deadlines.

Verify and keep records

• Save your application confirmation and any emails from the county.
• In spring or summer, review your property record or tax bill to confirm the exemption is listed.
• If something looks off, reach out to the assessor’s office to correct it.

A homestead exemption is a simple step that can produce real savings year after year. If you are buying in South Fulton or planning to file for the first time, a little preparation before April 1 goes a long way. If you have questions about timing, paperwork, or how this fits into your homeowner plan, you can always start a conversation with the local team at The Maxwell Haus Residential Agency.

FAQs

What is the Fulton County homestead exemption?

• It is a property tax benefit that reduces the taxable assessed value of your owner-occupied primary residence, which can lower your annual tax bill.

What is the deadline to file in Fulton County?

• Apply by April 1 to receive the exemption for that tax year; if you miss it, you can file for the following year.

Do I need to reapply every year?

• Most homestead exemptions renew automatically while the home remains your primary residence, though some income-based programs may require periodic recertification.

I bought after April 1; can I get it this year?

• Generally no; if you closed after April 1, plan to file for the next tax year as long as the home is your primary residence.

How do senior or disabled-veteran exemptions work?

• Eligible seniors, disabled homeowners, and disabled veterans may qualify for additional relief beyond the basic exemption, usually with age, disability, or VA documentation.

How do I check that my exemption is active?

• Review your online property record or your annual tax bill; exemptions are typically listed on the parcel.

What happens if I move or rent my home?

• Homestead exemptions are for primary residences only; if you move or convert the property to a rental, the exemption will be removed, and you can apply at your new primary residence.