Cobb Homestead Exemptions Due April 1: What You Need To Know

Cobb County residents have until April 1 to apply for basic homestead exemptions, as well as special tax exemptions.

COBB COUNTY, GA — The deadline to apply for basic homestead exemptions is fast approaching for homeowners in Cobb County.

Cobb homeowners have until April 1 to apply for these exemptions, as well as for some special tax exemptions, according to Cobb Tax Commissioner Carla Jackson.

Special tax exemptions include the following:

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• Cobb residents age 62 and older;
• Cobb residents age 65 and older (separate category from the age 62 and up exemption);
• Disabled veterans or surviving spouses;
• Surviving spouse of a U.S. service member;
• Surviving spouse of a peace officer or firefighter; and
• Cobb residents with disabilities.

Age and income requirements must be met to qualify for all senior exemptions. Other documents are needed to provide proof for special tax exemptions, which can be viewed on the application.

Those applying for a basic homestead exemption for the first time must own and occupy the home as their primary residence as of Jan. 1 of this year; have all vehicles registered in Cobb County; and not have a homestead exemption anywhere else, per the tax commissioner.

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What is a basic homestead exemption?

A basic homestead exemption is an exemption a homeowner can claim against the taxable value of their home, according to Jackson — essentially lowering a homeowner's property tax bill.

Who is eligible for a basic homestead exemption?

Anyone who owns and lives in a home in Cobb County — regardless of age or income level — is eligible for a basic homestead exemption, according to the Cobb tax commissioner website. To qualify, the property must be the legal residence for all purposes, including tax filings, registering vehicles and registering to vote, by Jan. 1 of each year.

Homeowners do not need to apply for the basic exemption more than once. It remains in place as long as the homeowner continues living at that home, or until they apply for and receive a different exemption.

If the homeowner moves, a new homestead exemption application must be submitted.

How do I apply?

Basic homestead applications can be printed from the Cobb tax commissioner website and submitted by mail, postmarked or received by April 1 to receive the exemption for this year. Applications are accepted year-round, but applications received after April 1 will be processed the following year.

Applications can be mailed to:

Cobb County Tax Commissioner
P.O. Box 100127
Marietta, GA 30061

Or they can be dropped off or applied for in person at:

• Main Office, 736 Whitlock Ave., Suite 100, Marietta
• East Cobb Government Service Center, 4400 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta
• South Cobb Government Service Center, 4700 Austell Road, Austell

Applicants should bring a photo ID, leave and earnings statement for non-Georgia resident military, completed trust affidavit (if property is held in a trust), visa or permanent residence card, homes

Are there any other exemptions I can apply for?

Some Cobb County cities offer local homestead exemptions in addition to the county exemptions, or along with the county's exemptions. Some city exemptions are automatically included with the county tax billing.

Each city has individual websites to apply for homestead exemptions, many of which also share an April 1 deadline. Visit your city website for more information, and see this list from the Cobb tax commissioner about city exemptions.

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