DeKalb County, GA: homestead & property-tax exemptions
How to claim property-tax exemptions in DeKalb County (Decatur area): who qualifies, the deadline, where to file, documents, re-filing and appeals.
Exemptions available
- Basic homestead exemption plus special exemptions for senior citizens age 62 and older, disabled veterans, and disabled residents, based on income. [1]
Statewide exemption details: Georgia guide.
Who qualifies
- Basic: own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1, have all vehicles registered in DeKalb at that address, have a Georgia ID or driver's license showing the property, file income taxes from the property, and have no homestead exemption anywhere else. [1]
Deadline
- Applications are accepted in person year-round. To apply online for the current tax year, submit between January 1 and mid-July, before the assessment appeal deadline. Later applications are processed for the following year. [1]
Where and how to file
- By mail, in person, drop box, or online. The application isn't automatic; neither the mortgage company nor the closing attorney can file it for you. [1]
Documents needed
- Special exemptions: copies of the previous year's federal and state income tax returns, any Social Security Form 1099s, proof of residency and age (valid Georgia ID or driver's license), and/or proof of 100% service-connected disability, as applicable. [1]
Do you need to re-file?
- You don't need to apply more than once for a basic homestead exemption. Once granted, it remains while you qualify and isn't transferable to a new residence. [1]
Appeal deadline
- Georgia rule: written appeal to the Board of Tax Assessors within 45 days of the assessment notice (Form PT-311A). [2]
Not verified yet
- DeKalb dollar amounts for basic and senior exemptions (the page text was not cleanly readable in our check).
Population: 770,307 (July 1, 2024 estimate) [3]
Other Georgia counties
Sources
- DeKalb County Tax Commissioner: Exemptions Last checked 2026-10-21
- Georgia Dept. of Revenue: PT-311A Appeal of Assessment Form Last checked 2026-10-21
- U.S. Census Bureau, county population estimates 2020-2024 (co-est2024-alldata.csv) Last checked 2026-10-21