Georgia • Cobb County homestead exemption guide • reviewed September 8, 2026
Georgia Cobb County GA Homestead Exemption: Rules, Savings, Deadline, Filing Steps and Local Contacts
The homestead exemption in Georgia Cobb County can reduce property taxes on a home you own and use as your legal primary residence.
Georgia sets the statewide framework, but Cobb County has local benefits that can be much stronger than the basic state exemption.
The most important Cobb benefits are the $10,000 basic homestead exemption, the floating homestead exemption and the age 62 school tax exemption.
Cobb homestead filing is handled by the Cobb County Tax Commissioner. Property value and appeal questions are handled by the Cobb County Board of Tax Assessors.
Fast answer
Cobb County Homestead Exemption Quick Facts
Use this office for homestead filing, exemption status, tax bills, payments and refunds.
Use this office for fair market value, assessed value, notices and appeals.
Georgia homestead applications are normally due by April 1 for the current tax year.
Cobb SmartFile says missing April 1 or the appeal date on the Notice of Assessment waives the exemption for that year.
Cobb’s new-resident checklist lists a $10,000 basic homestead exemption.
Georgia property tax is generally calculated from assessed value, not full market value.
File Cobb homestead as early as possible after you own and occupy the home. For the cleanest current-year result, do not wait until the assessment-notice appeal window.
State rule vs local rule
Georgia Homestead Rules vs Cobb County Local Benefits
Georgia law gives qualifying homeowners a statewide homestead framework.
Cobb County adds local benefits that can change the county, school and senior portions of the tax bill.
Georgia statewide rule
Georgia generally requires ownership on January 1 and a timely homestead application.
The statewide standard exemption is modest compared with many county-level exemptions.
Georgia DOR says county officials receive homestead applications, not the state office.
Open Georgia DOR homestead guideCobb County local rule
Cobb uses its own SmartFile system and local exemption rules.
Key local benefits include the basic homestead, floating homestead and age-62 school tax exemption.
Cobb’s estimator is useful, but it only estimates county taxes and does not include city taxes.
Open Cobb SmartFileCobb County voted to opt out of the statewide adjusted base-year homestead exemption because county officials said Cobb already had a stronger floating homestead benefit.
Local contacts
Cobb County Offices, Addresses, Phone Numbers and Roles
Cobb County Tax Commissioner
Best for: homestead filing, exemption status, tax bills, payments and refunds.
Property Tax Division: 736 Whitlock Ave, Suite 100, Marietta, GA 30064
Phone: 770-528-8600
Tax Commissioner: Carla Jackson
Chief Deputy: Heather Walker
Open Tax Commissioner pageCobb County Board of Tax Assessors
Best for: fair market value, 40% assessed value, notices, property records and appeals.
Address: 736 Whitlock Ave, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30064
Phone: 770-528-3100
Email: cobbtaxassessor@cobbcounty.gov
Open Tax Assessor websiteCobb Superior Court Clerk
Best for: deed records, real-estate recordings, liens and ownership-document research.
Main address: 70 Haynes Street, Marietta, GA 30090
Main phone: 770-528-1300
Real Estate Division: 770-528-1360
Open Real Estate DivisionCobb Board of Commissioners
Best for: county policy, budget, millage hearings and commissioner district questions.
Address: 100 Cherokee Street, Suite 300, Marietta, GA 30090
Main phone: 770-528-3300
Chairwoman: Lisa Cupid
Find Your CommissionerOpen Cobb County Tax Commissioner office locations
Main Property Tax Office: 736 Whitlock Ave, Suite 100, Marietta, GA.
North Cobb: 2932 Canton Road, Marietta, GA.
South Cobb: 4700 Austell Road, Austell, GA.
East Cobb: 4400 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA.
West Cobb: 3858 Kemp Ridge Road, Acworth, GA.
Office hours and kiosk access can change, so check CobbTax before visiting.
Open Cobb new resident checklistMap to the main Cobb property-tax campus
The Tax Commissioner Property Tax Division and Tax Assessor are both at 736 Whitlock Ave in Marietta.
Use Suite 100 for homestead and tax bill issues. Use Suite 200 for value and assessment issues.
Content gap fix
Details Many Georgia Cobb County Homestead Guides Miss
Cobb filing is not handled by a “property appraiser” office: Georgia uses the Tax Commissioner and Board of Tax Assessors structure.
April 1 is not the only phrase to read: Cobb SmartFile also references the appeal date shown on the Notice of Assessment.
The 2026 notice deadline has passed: Cobb’s 2026 assessment page listed July 20, 2026 as the homestead deadline for that notice year.
Georgia’s basic state exemption is not the full Cobb benefit: Cobb’s local basic and floating exemptions can matter more than the statewide minimum.
Age 62 is a major Cobb issue: Cobb’s checklist says the age-62 school tax exemption can exempt qualifying owners from county school taxes.
The floating exemption is narrow: Cobb’s floating benefit protects the county maintenance and operations portion, not every tax line.
The tax estimator has limits: Cobb says the 2026 estimator uses 2025 adopted rates, estimates county taxes only and excludes city taxes.
City boundaries matter: a home in Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Acworth, Austell, Powder Springs or Mableton may have city tax questions outside the county estimate.
Prior homestead removal matters: new residents should remove exemptions from another county or state before applying in Cobb.
You must report ineligibility: Cobb SmartFile warns homeowners must notify the Tax Commissioner if they become ineligible.
Filing workflow
How to Apply for Cobb County GA Homestead Exemption
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Confirm January 1 ownership and occupancy.
You should own and occupy the Cobb County home as your legal primary residence for the tax year.
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Remove any prior homestead claim.
If you moved from another county or state, keep proof that the prior homestead exemption was removed.
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Update residence records.
Update Georgia driver’s license, vehicle registration and mailing records to the Cobb homestead address.
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Find your parcel first.
Use Cobb property search to confirm parcel, owner, situs address, property value and existing exemption status.
Open Cobb property searchAfter opening: search by address, owner or parcel ID. If the address search fails, try only the house number and street name. -
Start Cobb SmartFile.
Use the official Cobb SmartFile homestead application and choose the exemption categories that apply.
Open Cobb SmartFile applicationAfter opening: select Begin Filing, complete owner and property questions, upload documents and save the submitted confirmation. -
Check your exemption after filing.
Use the Cobb tax estimator and property record to verify whether the exemption appears in current county records.
Do not treat an unfinished online draft as a filed application. Save proof only after the submission is complete.
Prepare before filing
Documents Cobb Homeowners Should Have Ready
The address should support Cobb County primary residence.
Cobb’s checklist tells new residents to update vehicle registration after updating driver license.
Use this if you had a homestead exemption in another county or state.
Helpful if ownership has not clearly updated in county records.
Use these when the owner name is a trust, estate or similar legal arrangement.
Age 62 and age 65 categories have different rules and document needs.
Disability categories require category-specific evidence.
Disabled veteran and survivor benefits need official proof.
Save the SmartFile confirmation for status, correction or refund questions.
Deadline guide
Cobb County Homestead Deadline: April 1 and the Notice Appeal Date
File by April 1 whenever possible for the current tax year.
Cobb says missing both deadlines waives the exemption for that tax year.
Cobb’s 2026 assessment page listed this deadline for the 2026 notice cycle.
As of September 8, 2026, the 2026 Cobb notice-year deadline has already passed.
If you missed 2026, call the Tax Commissioner before assuming there is no correction path. For the next cycle, prepare for the January 1 through April 1 filing window unless Cobb publishes different instructions.
Open Cobb 2026 assessment notice guidanceSavings math
How Cobb County Homestead Exemption Savings Work
Cobb tax savings are based on assessed value, exemptions and millage rates.
Georgia generally assesses real property at 40% of fair market value.
The basic Cobb homestead exemption can reduce assessed value by $10,000 in key county and school categories.
Simple example
$500,000 fair market value × 40% = $200,000 assessed value.
$200,000 − $10,000 basic homestead = $190,000 taxable assessed value for the affected line.
$10,000 × 27.16 mills ÷ 1,000 = $271.60 illustrative savings using Cobb’s historical example math.
Open simple educational calculator
Estimated 40% assessed value: $200,000.00
Basic exemption used: $10,000.00
Basic savings estimate: $271.60
Age-62 school estimate: $0.00
Senior and special benefits
Cobb County Senior, Disability, Veteran and Survivor Exemptions
Age 62 school tax exemption
Cobb’s new-resident checklist says qualifying age-62 homeowners can be exempt from all county school taxes.
This is often the largest Cobb-specific senior benefit.
Age 65 $4,000 exemption
Cobb’s checklist lists an age-65 $4,000 exemption with a $10,000 income limitation.
Use the official application or affidavit required for the current year.
Age 65 state property-tax exemption
Cobb’s checklist also references an age-65 benefit exempting state property taxes on the residence and up to 10 acres around it.
Confirm current state treatment with the county before filing.
Disabled veteran exemption
Disabled veteran benefits require official proof and can change by year.
Use current VA documentation and the correct Cobb filing category.
Surviving spouse benefits
Georgia has survivor benefit categories for certain military, public safety and disabled veteran situations.
Each category requires different documentation.
Floating homestead exemption
Cobb’s floating homestead benefit protects the county maintenance and operations value from reassessment increases.
It does not freeze every tax line or city tax bill.
A homeowner who already has basic homestead should still apply for age, disability, veteran or survivor benefits when first eligible.
After filing
How to Check Cobb Homestead Status and Notice Details
Step 1: keep your SmartFile confirmation or mailed filing proof.
Step 2: open the Cobb tax estimator and search by parcel, property address or owner name.
Step 3: review the exemption status and estimated tax breakdown.
Step 4: compare the Notice of Assessment with your parcel record and bill estimate.
Step 5: contact the Tax Commissioner if an exemption you filed for is not showing.
Step 6: contact the Tax Assessor if the fair market value or property data looks wrong.
Cobb’s 2026 estimator says it uses 2025 adopted millage rates and assessment data, so the final bill may differ after rates are officially adopted.
Appeal vs exemption
What If Your Cobb County Value Looks Too High?
A homestead application and a value appeal are different actions.
Use the Tax Commissioner for homestead filing and exemption status. Use the Board of Tax Assessors for fair market value, uniformity, taxability and property-record issues.
Homestead problem
Use this path if the exemption is missing, denied, pending or not showing in the estimator.
Have your parcel ID and SmartFile confirmation ready before calling.
Value problem
Use this path if the fair market value, property characteristics or assessment looks wrong.
Cobb says property owners have 45 days from the date on the notice to file an appeal.
City and district issue
Cobb City Taxes, Fire, CID and Special Districts
Cobb’s tax estimator warns that city taxes are not included.
If your home is inside a city, check city property-tax rules directly with the city.
Nearby homes can fall into different city, fire, CID, school or special-service combinations.
Avoid delays
Common Cobb County Homestead Mistakes
Filing with the wrong office: homestead starts with the Tax Commissioner, while values and appeals start with the Tax Assessor.
Relying only on April 1 language: always read Cobb’s SmartFile deadline notice and your Notice of Assessment.
Assuming the seller’s exemption transfers: a new owner should file their own Cobb homestead application.
Ignoring age 62: Cobb’s school tax exemption can be a major benefit for eligible senior homeowners.
Confusing floating with a full freeze: Cobb’s floating benefit does not freeze every tax line.
Missing city taxes: Cobb’s estimator is for county taxes only, so city tax bills need separate review.
Leaving old homestead active elsewhere: remove another county or state exemption before claiming Cobb.
Not reporting ineligibility: Cobb SmartFile warns that penalties may apply if you fail to notify the Tax Commissioner.
Decision path
What to Do Next
If you bought a Cobb home in 2026
Confirm your 2026 notice and SmartFile status.
If the deadline passed, prepare for the next filing cycle and ask CobbTax about any correction options.
If you are preparing for 2027
Update Georgia license and vehicle records.
File from January 1 through April 1 unless Cobb publishes different current-year guidance.
If you are age 62 or older
Do not stop at basic homestead.
Review the school tax exemption category and file the senior benefit if eligible.
If the exemption is missing
Check the estimator and property record.
Then contact the Tax Commissioner at 770-528-8600 with your confirmation.
If the assessed value is too high
Review the Notice of Assessment.
File a value appeal with the Board of Tax Assessors within the notice deadline.
If title or ownership is wrong
Review deed records with the Superior Court Clerk.
Get legal help if the deed itself needs correction.
Important caution
Independent Information, Tax Caution and Property-Records Notice
This page is independent informational content for homeowners.
It is not the official website of Cobb County, CobbTax, the Cobb County Board of Tax Assessors, the Georgia Department of Revenue or any government office.
It is not legal advice, tax advice, an official exemption approval, a tax bill, an assessment notice or an appeal decision.
Verify deadlines, forms, exemption amounts, millage rates, office hours, city-tax rules and appeal procedures directly with the responsible official office before acting.
Property records should be used only for property-tax, appraisal, ownership-reference and public-record purposes.
Do not use property-record information for employment screening, tenant screening, credit, insurance or any purpose regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
FAQs
Georgia Cobb County GA Homestead Exemption FAQs
Where do I apply for the Cobb County GA homestead exemption?
Apply through the Cobb County Tax Commissioner’s SmartFile homestead application or contact the Property Tax Division at 770-528-8600.
What is the Cobb County homestead exemption deadline?
The regular Georgia deadline is April 1. Cobb SmartFile also references the appeal date listed on the Notice of Assessment.
What was the Cobb County 2026 homestead deadline?
Cobb’s 2026 assessment guidance listed July 20, 2026 as the homestead deadline for the 2026 notice cycle.
How much is the Cobb County basic homestead exemption?
Cobb’s new-resident checklist lists a $10,000 basic homestead exemption and notes that it includes a $2,000 state tax category component.
What is Cobb’s floating homestead exemption?
It is Cobb’s local reassessment-relief benefit that protects the county maintenance and operations portion from rising taxable value after homestead is established.
Does Cobb’s floating exemption freeze the full bill?
No. It protects the county M&O portion, but school, fire, city, CID, bond and special-district amounts can still change.
Does Cobb County have a senior school tax exemption?
Yes. Cobb’s new-resident checklist says the age-62 school tax exemption can exempt qualifying homeowners from all county school taxes.
Who handles Cobb property values and appeals?
The Cobb County Board of Tax Assessors handles fair market value, assessed value, property records, assessment notices and appeals.
Does the Cobb tax estimator include city taxes?
No. Cobb’s estimator warns that it is for county taxes only and that city taxes are not included.
What should I do if my Cobb homestead exemption is missing?
Check SmartFile confirmation, property search and the tax estimator first. Then contact the Cobb County Tax Commissioner with your parcel ID and filing proof.
Official resources