Forsyth County Property Tax Increase Approved at Lower Than Proposed RateThe Forsyth County Board of Commissioners adopted an increase in the county's millage rate during a special called meeting Thursday, July 22, at a rate lower than the advertised, proposed increase. The vote followed the third of three public hearings held regarding the millage rate.
The approved Maintenance and Operation rate is 4.734 mills, up from 3.834 mills in 2009. The approved Fire rate is 1.975 mills, up from 1.841 mills in 2009. The increase in these rates was approved to help offset projected deficits in the county's 2011 preliminary budget and the Fire Department's 2011 preliminary budget.
The approved Bond rate is 0.947 mills, down from 1.196 mills in 2009. The reduced Bond millage rate reflects the debt service requirements for bonds in 2011.
These approved rates represent a total county millage increase of 0.785 mills, compared to the advertised, proposed total increase of 1.48 mills.
The millage rates adopted July 22 will fund the county's 2011 budget, which will be adopted toward the end of 2010.
Labels: cumming homes for sale, forsyth county homes for sale, forsyth county property tax
Surviving Spouse Homestead: This $50,000 exemption applies to the state, county, municipal and school tax categories as defined in O.C.G.A. section 48-5-52.1. Any citizen who is the unremarried surviving spouse of a member of the U.S. armed forces killed in any war or conflict and receiving spousal benefits from the U.S.Department of Veteran's Affairs is eligible. Legal documentation is required.
Surviving Spouse of Firefighter or Police Officer Killed In Line Of Duty: This is a total exemption of property tax for unremarried surviving spouse of a Firefighter or Police Officer killed in the line of duty.
Labels: exemption, forsyth county property tax, homestead, surviving spouse
State Tax Exemption: Homeowners who are 65 years of age on or before January 1 are eligible for total state tax exemption on the .25 mill collected for the State of Georgia. This exemption applies to your home and up to 10 Acres.
Disability Homestead: Forsyth County offers two local exemptions to disabled taxpayers. One exempts your home and three acres from the school portion of the tax bill. Gross Income cannot exceed $16,000. The other grants a $16,000 exemption against the county and fire portion of the millage rate. Gross Income cannot exceed $40,000.
There are no age limitations on the disability exemptions. The applicant must provide two (2) letters from physicians stating that the applicant is totally and permanently disabled, or one (1) letter from a physician and a copy of their disability statement from Social Security.
Disabled Veterans:
This exemption applies to all tax categories. Homeowners who are disabled veterans as defined in O.C.G.A. 48-5-48 are entitled to a $50,000 exemption on school and state taxes, and an $88,000 exemption on county and fire taxes. You must provide legally required documentation. This exemption extends to the unremarried surviving spouse or minor children at the time of the applicant's death, provided they continue to occupy the home as a residence and homestead.
Labels: disability homestead, disabled veterans, forsyth county property tax, state tax exemption
