The Forsyth County Tax Assessors Office would like to remind residents about the approaching deadline to file for homestead exemptions for this tax year. While you may apply for exemptions year-round, you must apply by April 1st in order to receive the exemption for 2008. Any application received after this date will not be processed until the next tax year.
All of the following required documentation must be presented to apply:
- a drivers license (if you drive)
- a copy of a recorded warranty deed
- a letter from the county where you lived prior to moving to Forsyth County stating that the homestead has been removed
Filing for homestead exemption is one way to reduce the amount of property tax you pay on your residential property. In Forsyth County, if you own the property, reside on that property and are a legal resident of the county, all as of January 1 of the tax year, you may qualify for homestead exemption. (Legal resident means that you are registered to vote and/or register your vehicles in Forsyth County.) You cannot be claiming homestead in any other location.
You must make an application for each exemption you would like to receive. Only one owner needs to meet the requirements to qualify for the full exemption. These exemptions are automatically renewed each year unless there is a change in ownership or you no longer meet the eligibility requirements. You do not need to reapply for exemptions if you refinance your home, unless ownership changes. For all exemptions, the property must be in the name of the applicant. To legally change ownership into your name, a new deed must be recorded in Forsyth County records. The amount exempted is deducted from the 40% assessed value of the property in the applicable tax categories.
If a change of ownership occurs due to death or divorce, the new owner must file the change with the Tax Assessors Office and reapply for any exemption granted in the previous owner's name.
A number of exemptions exist including certain exemptions for residents age 65 or older. Exemptions can include the regular $8,000 homestead, floating homestead, total school tax homestead exemption, state tax exemption and disabled veterans exemption. Contact the Tax Assessors Office at the number below for details on exemptions, or
click here.
WHERE TO FILE:
Forsyth County Tax Assessors Office
110 E. Main Street, Suite 260, Cumming
770.781.2106
Office Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Labels: disabled veterans, floating homestead, forsyth county, homestead exemption, property tax, school tax, tax assessor
