The City of Decatur offers seven homestead exemptions for which resident homeowners may qualify. These include general exemptions based on ownership and occupancy as well as exemptions based on age, income and disability. A complete list of exemptions and qualifications is shown in the chart below.
A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your home. For example, if your home is appraised at $200,000, then the assessed value is 50 percent of that amount, or $100,000. With a $20,000 homestead exemption, you only pay taxes on $80,000.
Homestead exemption applications are accepted year-round; however, to grant an exemption for the current tax year, we must receive your application no later than April 1. However, please note that although we can accept homestead exemptions until April 1, we encourage eligible homeowners to apply for any new exemptions prior to March 15 to ensure your exemption appears on your 1st installment tax bill. Applications received after April 1 will be processed for the following tax year.
If you have previously applied for a homestead exemption, you do not need to re-apply. If you filed for a homestead exemption with DeKalb County, you must also apply with the City of Decatur. You must also apply if you now qualify for an exemption based on age or income for which you did not previously qualify.
If you reside at the property you own, you may apply for the general homestead exemption online. Applicants for all other exemptions based on age and/or income must apply in person at Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St., Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Renae, why not give us specific information about ‘new’ homestead exemptions instead of using general language? I don’t find this to be particularly useful as it is. What about the exemptions that were approved during the general election? I see nothing about that in your note or in the ‘further information’ section. Am I missing something?
David, I just posted information from the city’s Revenue Director regarding the new exemptions. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the Revenue Division at 678-553-6743.
Thanks, Renae. I appreciate it very much.
How will the the City of Decatur Schools exemption be applied to our tax bill? Do we have to apply for that? Is it done automatically? Will it appear on our next tax bill. I’ve heard nothing about its implementation since it was approved in the when we voted.
Jennifer, there has been updated information posted this morning regarding the new exemptions that should answer your questions. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the Revenue Division at 678-553-6743.