Deadline Set For Fulton Homestead Exemptions

The deadline for Roswell homeowners to file a 2011 basic homestead exemption with the Fulton County Board of Assessors has been set for April 1.

The following links are available for Roswell residents interested in applying for a basic homestead exemption with the county. (Note: You must have Adobe Reader installed on your computer in order to view files. To download a free version of Adobe Reader, read these Adobe installation instructions.)

• To obtain an online application for Fulton county's 2011 basic homestead exemption, click here to download the form.
• To read the rules of eligibility, download this Qualifications for Homestead Exemptions document.
• To read instructions for filing, download the Homestead Application Instructions.

The most notable change to the 2011 filing is an increase in the basic exemption amount, which was increased to $30,000 from last year’s rate of $25,000. The increased amount will automatically be granted to homeowners who are currently receiving a homestead exemption, as well as to first-time applicants who qualify.

Once an exemption has been granted by the county, it will be automatically renewed each year, as long as primary residence status remains the same and the property remains under the same ownership. The home must be the homeowner’s legal residence for all purposes, including the vehicle registrations and income tax filings.

Homeowners currently receiving a basic homestead exemption are not required to reapply, unless there has been a change of ownership on the property since the last filing.

To be eligible for filing a 2011 Fulton County homestead exemption, applicants must:

• Own and occupy the property
• Claim the property as the applicant’s primary residence as of Jan. 1, 2011
• Be a permanent and legal resident of Fulton County
• Be able to present a valid Georgia photo I.D. (i.e. a drivers license) that lists the address of the property to be exempted
• Provide a current copy of a Fulton County vehicle registration

Homestead exemptions will not be granted on rental properties, vacant land, or for more than one property per Fulton county resident.

There are additional exemptions available to residents who are 62 years old or older, as well as for disabled residents and/or disabled veterans. Applications for these exemptions must be made in person. Homeowners needing additional information about these requirements can call 404-612-6440, and press #4.

To learn more about filing a 2011 homestead exemption, visit the Fulton County Board of Assessors website, or call 404-612-6440 between 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.