DeKalb County, Georgia • Homestead guide • reviewed September 2, 2026
Georgia DeKalb County GA Homestead Exemption Guide: Rules, Savings, Deadlines, Forms and Filing Steps
The DeKalb County GA homestead exemption reduces property taxes for homeowners who own and occupy their DeKalb County home as their primary legal residence.
In DeKalb County, homestead applications are handled through the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office. Property value appeals are handled through the DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department / Board of Assessors.
The standard Georgia deadline is April 1 for the current tax year, but Georgia and DeKalb’s 2026 online process also include important assessment-notice appeal-window timing for current-year filings.
Homeowners should file as early as possible after they own and occupy the home as of January 1.
Fast answer
DeKalb County Homestead Exemption Quick Facts
Homestead application or exemption status → Tax Commissioner. Fair market value, assessment notice or value appeal → Property Appraisal Department / Board of Assessors. Tax bill payment or delinquency → Tax Commissioner Property Tax Division.
Where to go
DeKalb County Homestead Offices, Address, Phone Numbers and Map
DeKalb County Tax Commissioner — Property Tax / Homestead
Best for: homestead applications, exemption status, senior exemptions, disabled exemptions, veteran exemptions, property tax bills, payments, delinquent taxes and tax customer service.
Tax Commissioner: Nicole Golden
Central office: 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100, Decatur, GA 30032
Phone: 404-298-4000
Property tax mail: DeKalb County Tax Commissioner, Property Tax Division, P.O. Box 100004, Decatur, GA 30031-7004
Central property tax hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Open Homestead & ExemptionsDeKalb County Property Appraisal Department
Best for: fair market value, assessed value, annual assessment notices, appraisal records, property characteristics, online appeals and Board of Assessors appeal processing.
Chief Appraiser: Calvin C. Hicks, Jr.
Address: 325 Swanton Way, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: 404-371-0841
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Open Property Appraisal PortalDeKalb Property Tax Search and Payment
Best for: property tax account, bill status, payment history, exemption codes, e-bills, parcel lookup and tax balance review.
Phone: 404-298-4000
Important: failure to receive a bill does not remove responsibility to pay taxes due.
Open DeKalb Tax Property SearchGeorgia Department of Revenue
Best for: statewide Georgia homestead rules, tax return deadline framework, appeal form PT-311A and Georgia property tax forms.
Important: do not mail a DeKalb homestead application to the Georgia Department of Revenue. File with DeKalb County tax officials.
Open Georgia Homestead RulesMap: DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Central Office
4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100
Decatur, GA 30032
This is the main DeKalb Tax Commissioner location for property tax and homestead customer service.
Use the official website or call 404-298-4000 before visiting, especially near the deadline.
Content gaps fixed
Details Many DeKalb County Homestead Guides Miss
Application is not automatic: closing on a home, recording a deed or setting up escrow does not file homestead for you.
DeKalb filing office is different from value appeal office: the Tax Commissioner handles homestead applications, while Property Appraisal handles assessment notices and value appeals.
January 1 matters: DeKalb requires ownership and occupancy as primary residence as of January 1 of the year claimed.
Residency proof is broad: vehicle registration, Georgia driver license or ID, income-tax filing address and voter registration can all matter.
One homestead only: you cannot claim homestead on another property in Georgia or another state.
Special exemptions require basic homestead first: senior, disabled, disabled veteran and public-service spouse categories generally build on an existing basic homestead exemption.
Assessment freeze is county-specific: DeKalb’s Property Assessment Freeze offsets future increases for the county portion, but not school, city or state taxes.
City exemptions can differ: Atlanta-in-DeKalb, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Stonecrest, Tucker and other cities can have different local rules.
EHOST changes savings: DeKalb homestead properties may also receive Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax credits on the tax bill.
Appeals have a separate clock: property value or exemption-denial appeals generally use the 45-day assessment notice window.
Qualification
DeKalb County Homestead Exemption Rules
Own the home on January 1
You must be the property owner as of January 1 of the current tax year.
DeKalb’s 2026 online application warns not to submit if you were not the property owner as of January 1, 2026.
Occupy the home as primary residence
The home must be your primary domicile and legal residence for all purposes.
Rental property, vacant property and commercial entities do not qualify for homestead.
Use the correct residence address
Your Georgia driver license or Georgia ID should show residency at the homestead property.
Owned or leased vehicles must be registered in DeKalb County at the primary residence.
File taxes from the property
DeKalb lists filing income taxes from the property as part of the legal-residence requirement.
Use the same residence address consistently unless you have a documented reason.
No other homestead exemption
You cannot have a homestead exemption somewhere else while claiming DeKalb homestead.
Cancel the old exemption before filing if you moved from another county or state.
Continue to qualify
Once granted, the exemption remains while the applicant continues to reside at the property and qualify.
Moving, renting, ownership changes, death, remarriage or eligibility changes can affect the exemption.
Georgia generally requires the homeowner to own the property and use it as the legal residence as of January 1 of the taxable year. DeKalb applies additional local proof requirements through its Tax Commissioner’s Office.
Proof checklist
Documents Needed for DeKalb County Homestead Exemption
Parcel ID or property address
Use DeKalb’s property search to confirm parcel details before filing.
The parcel ID helps the tax office match your application to the correct property.
Owner name and deed information
Confirm the owner record matches your deed or closing documents.
If the owner record is not updated, ask the Tax Commissioner or Property Appraisal office what proof is needed.
Georgia driver license or ID
DeKalb requires a Georgia ID or Georgia driver license showing residency at the property.
Update the address before filing if necessary.
Vehicle registration
Owned or leased vehicles should be registered in DeKalb County at the primary residence address.
This is a common delay issue for new Georgia residents.
Income-tax address
DeKalb lists filing income taxes from the property as part of primary residence proof.
Special exemptions may require prior-year federal and state income tax returns.
Social Security / tax records
Special exemptions may require Social Security Form 1099s and other income documentation.
Submit sensitive documents only through official DeKalb channels.
Proof of age
Senior exemptions require proof of age, usually a valid Georgia driver license or ID.
Age is commonly tested as of January 1 for DeKalb senior categories.
Proof of disability
Disabled residents may need proof of 100% permanent disability or other qualifying disability proof.
Use the exact proof requested for the exemption code.
Veteran documents
Disabled veterans may need a VA Letter of Adjudication, DD214 or other disability / widow(er) documentation.
Disabled veteran applicants age 65 or older should also prepare income information because extra savings may apply.
Surviving spouse documents
Un-remarried surviving spouses of disabled veterans, service members, peace officers or firefighters may need death, service, disability or agency records.
Some categories require in-person application.
Trust or estate documents
If the home is in a trust, estate, life estate or unusual ownership structure, prepare legal documents showing ownership or occupancy rights.
Ask DeKalb before uploading unnecessary sensitive pages.
Existing exemption code
Before applying for a special exemption, check the property record for an existing basic homestead code.
Special exemptions generally require an existing basic homestead exemption on the primary residence.
Do not send Social Security, income, disability or veteran documents to private companies or unofficial emails. Use DeKalbTaxGA.gov, the official DeKalb office, or the official contact process.
Filing workflow
How to Apply for Homestead Exemption in DeKalb County GA
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Search your property record.
Use the DeKalb Tax Commissioner property search or DeKalb Property Appraisal portal to confirm parcel, owner, address and exemption code.
Open DeKalb Tax Property SearchAfter opening: accept the disclaimer, search by property address or owner, then look for Exemption Codes. -
Confirm January 1 ownership and occupancy.
Make sure you owned and occupied the property as your primary legal residence on January 1 of the tax year.
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Choose the correct application.
Use the Basic Exemption Application for first-time basic homestead.
Use the Special Exemption Application only after basic homestead is already in place and you qualify for senior, disabled, veteran or surviving-spouse relief.
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Prepare required proof.
Gather Georgia ID, vehicle registration, income-tax address proof, income returns, Social Security 1099s, age proof, disability proof or veteran proof as applicable.
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File online or with the Tax Commissioner.
Applications may be processed online, by mail, in person or drop box depending on the application type and timing.
Open 2026 Basic ApplicationAfter opening: read the January 1 ownership warning, then begin filing only if the property is your primary domicile and legal residence. -
Save your filing proof.
Keep screenshots, confirmation numbers, submitted forms, copies, mailing receipts or office receipts.
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Check the exemption code.
DeKalb says approved exemptions appear next to “Exemption Code” in the property information page.
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Review your bill and notice.
Check the assessment notice, tax bill, EHOST credit, HTRG credit, homestead code and payment due dates.
Basic exemption application
Use this for a first-time DeKalb basic homestead claim and county Property Assessment Freeze filing.
Open Basic Homestead ApplicationSpecial exemption application
Use this for DeKalb senior, disability, disabled veteran or other special exemption categories after basic homestead is in place.
Open Special Homestead ApplicationDates
DeKalb County Homestead Exemption Deadlines
You must own and occupy the property as your primary legal residence as of January 1.
DeKalb online filing opens at the start of the year for homeowners who need basic or special homestead review.
Georgia’s standard current-year homestead deadline is April 1, and DeKalb encourages online filing before that deadline.
Georgia now allows homestead filing beyond the historic April 1 date up to the end of the 45-day assessment-notice appeal window.
DeKalb’s 2026 special exemption application page lists July 13, 2026 for current-year special exemption filing.
Applications received after the current-year deadline may be processed for the next tax year.
For 2026 bills, DeKalb public notices reference a first installment due September 30.
DeKalb tax bill notices also reference a second installment due in November. Check the actual bill for the exact date.
Do not rely on a general Georgia blog date alone. For DeKalb, check the active DeKalbTaxGA.gov application page, your assessment notice date, and the current Tax Commissioner instructions before assuming a filing is still timely.
Tax savings
How Much Can the DeKalb County Homestead Exemption Save?
Homestead savings in DeKalb depend on the exemption code, school taxes, county levies, city taxes, assessment freeze, EHOST credit, HTRG credit, special assessments and millage rates.
Georgia real estate is appraised at fair market value and generally assessed at 40% for tax purposes. Exemptions reduce assessed or taxable value before millage is applied.
Determined by the DeKalb Property Appraisal Department as of January 1.
Georgia assessment = fair market value × 40% for most real property.
Homestead, senior, disabled, veteran, city and local exemptions reduce taxable value.
EHOST, HTRG and other credits may appear on the DeKalb tax bill for qualifying homestead properties.
Simple educational example
Assessed-value exemption: $10,000.
Millage estimate: 40 mills.
Estimated savings: $10,000 × 40 ÷ 1,000 = $400.
This is not the final DeKalb bill because EHOST, school treatment, city taxes, special exemption codes and the assessment freeze can change the result.
Open simple DeKalb homestead savings calculator
Estimated assessed value: $140,000.00
Exemption used: $10,000.00
Millage savings estimate: $400.00
Total educational estimate: $400.00
DeKalb’s Tax Commissioner materials describe basic homestead as a significant savings, and DeKalb homestead properties can also benefit from county-specific credits and assessment-freeze treatment. Always compare your actual Exemption Code and bill credit lines.
Assessment freeze
DeKalb Property Assessment Freeze and EHOST
Property Assessment Freeze
DeKalb’s basic homestead application states that the Property Assessment Freeze offsets future increases in property value for the county portion of the bill.
It does not affect school, city or state taxes.
Automatic for many new applicants
DeKalb states that new applicants applying for a homestead exemption receive the freeze benefit automatically with the exemption.
Some long-time homeowners with pre-2007 homestead may need separate review.
Freeze level caution
Once the freeze level is set, DeKalb says it cannot be “re-frozen” at a lower level because of later assessment changes.
Ask the Tax Commissioner if you do not understand the freeze value on your record.
EHOST credit
DeKalb homestead properties may receive Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax credits on the tax bill.
EHOST is a bill credit and should be reviewed separately from the exemption code.
Senior and disability
DeKalb Senior and Disability Homestead Exemptions
DeKalb offers special homestead exemptions for older homeowners and disabled residents. Most special exemptions require an existing basic homestead exemption first.
H9 — age 70+
For applicants age 70 on January 1 with a household federal adjusted gross income limit.
DeKalb’s current page lists a $113,664 federal adjusted gross income limit and school-tax relief while maintaining county-levy exemption treatment.
H4 — age 65+ or 100% permanently disabled
Has a $10,000 Georgia Net Income limit.
It exempts recipients from school taxes and increases the exemption for county levies.
H6 — age 65+ or 100% permanently disabled
Has a $37,500 Georgia Net Income limit.
It increases school-tax and county-levy exemption amounts.
H8 — age 65+ or 100% permanently disabled
Has a $40,000 gross income limit.
It increases taxable-value reductions for school and county levies.
H3 — age 62+ or 100% permanently disabled
Has a $10,000 Georgia Net Income limit.
It exempts recipients from school taxes and maintains county-levy exemption treatment.
H7 — age 62+ or 100% permanently disabled
Has a $40,000 gross income limit.
It reduces taxable value for school taxes and county levies.
DeKalb says Georgia Net Income for exemption eligibility is not simply a number copied from the tax return. It is calculated under a Georgia Department of Revenue formula. For 2026, DeKalb notes that Social Security and retirement benefits may be excluded up to specified limits when calculating Georgia Net Income.
Veterans and public service
DeKalb Disabled Veteran, Surviving Spouse, Peace Officer and Firefighter Exemptions
H5 — disabled veteran / spouse exemption
DeKalb lists no age or financial requirement for the H5 disabled veteran / veteran spouse exemption.
Applicants must be honorably discharged, reside on the property and meet the qualifying VA disability or statutory-award documentation rules.
100% service-connected disability
Prepare a Letter of Adjudication from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs showing entitlement to 100% service-connected disability and/or compensation.
Alternative statutory-award documentation may apply for loss of use or severe vision impairment categories.
Un-remarried surviving spouse
The disabled veteran exemption may transfer to or be applied for by an un-remarried surviving spouse of a disabled veteran or a service member killed in action.
Bring death, marriage, service and VA documents as requested.
H10 — disabled veteran senior exemption
Disabled veterans age 65 as of January 1 who meet H5 requirements may qualify for the H10 disabled veteran senior exemption.
DeKalb lists a $10,000 Georgia Net Income limit for this category.
Peace officer or firefighter surviving spouse
DeKalb lists an exemption for the un-remarried surviving spouse of a peace officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty.
The exemption does not remove special assessments such as sanitation, stormwater, streetlights or speed bumps.
In-person requirement
DeKalb states the peace officer / firefighter surviving-spouse exemption must be applied for in person.
Call 404-298-4000 before visiting to confirm documents and location.
City layer
DeKalb County City Homestead Exemptions and Local Rules
DeKalb County includes properties inside several cities. City exemptions can change final savings and may require separate city filing.
Atlanta portion of DeKalb
DeKalb notes City of Atlanta exemptions are granted along with the county exemption.
Brookhaven
DeKalb lists Brookhaven exemptions as granted along with county exemptions, including a basic homestead amount and city assessment freeze when applicable.
Chamblee
DeKalb lists Chamblee’s basic homestead with county exemption, while elderly exemptions are applied for with the City of Chamblee.
City of Decatur
DeKalb notes that City of Decatur exemptions are applied for with the city.
Open City of Decatur TaxDoraville
DeKalb lists Doraville city exemptions as awarded along with county exemptions, while elderly exemptions are applied for with the city.
Dunwoody
DeKalb lists Dunwoody city basic and senior exemption structures, including millage-reduction language.
Lithonia, Pine Lake and Stone Mountain
Some smaller city exemptions are granted with county exemption, while Stone Mountain local exemptions are applied for with the city.
Stonecrest and Tucker
DeKalb lists Stonecrest and Tucker city exemptions, including basic and senior structures with city assessment-freeze language when applicable.
A county homestead approval does not always complete every city benefit. If the property is inside a city, check both DeKalb County and the city tax office.
Record decoder
How to Check Homestead Status on DeKalb Property Records
Parcel ID: use this when contacting the Tax Commissioner, Property Appraisal Department or appeal staff.
Owner name: compare the property record with your deed, closing documents or estate records.
Property address: should match the home used as the primary legal residence.
Mailing address: update it if bills, notices or audit letters go to the wrong place.
Exemption Code: DeKalb says approved exemptions appear next to the Exemption Code field.
Fair market value: value determined by Property Appraisal as of January 1.
Assessed value: generally 40% of fair market value in Georgia.
Taxable value: assessed value after exemptions, credits and reductions.
Assessment notice: use this for the 45-day appeal deadline and access code.
Tax bill credits: look for EHOST, HTRG, basic, senior or special homestead credits on the bill.
Tax Commissioner property information
Use this to check exemption codes, tax bills and payment information.
Open Tax Property SearchProperty Appraisal search
Use this for appraised value, annual notice, property characteristics, appeal filing and appeal status.
Open Appraisal SearchAppeals and fixes
What If Your DeKalb Homestead Exemption Is Missing, Denied or Your Value Is Too High?
A missing homestead exemption, a special exemption denial, a high fair market value and a tax payment problem are separate issues.
Online appraisal appeal
Use this when you disagree with fair market value, characteristics or exemption removal / denial shown on the annual notice.
Open Appraisal PortalGeorgia PT-311A appeal form
Use the uniform Georgia appeal form if filing a paper assessment appeal.
Open Georgia Forms PageCalling the office does not automatically preserve appeal rights. If you need a formal appeal, file online or by mail before the 45-day deadline shown on your assessment notice.
Avoid delays
Common DeKalb County Homestead Exemption Mistakes
Assuming closing filed it: mortgage companies and closing attorneys do not automatically file the DeKalb homestead application.
Missing January 1: if you did not own and occupy the home as primary residence on January 1, current-year eligibility may fail.
Ignoring vehicle registration: DeKalb requires owned or leased vehicles to be registered at the primary residence in DeKalb County.
Using an old address on ID: your Georgia ID or driver license should support the homestead residence.
Claiming another homestead: remove old homestead or primary-residence credits elsewhere before claiming DeKalb.
Applying for special exemptions too early: senior, disabled and veteran exemptions generally require basic homestead first.
Skipping income documents: special exemptions may require prior-year federal and state returns plus Social Security 1099s.
Confusing freeze with full tax freeze: DeKalb’s county Property Assessment Freeze does not freeze school, city or state taxes.
Forgetting city filing: City of Decatur and some other city benefits may require separate city action.
Using public records for screening: property records should not be used for FCRA-regulated employment, tenant, credit or insurance decisions.
Decision path
What Should You Do Next?
Update Georgia ID, vehicle registration and tax address, then file basic homestead if you owned and occupied the home as of January 1.
Search the Tax Commissioner property record, then apply or contact 404-298-4000 with the parcel number.
Apply for basic homestead first, then check H3, H7 or other senior categories based on age and income.
Check H4, H6, H8, veteran senior and city senior programs. Prepare income proof before applying.
Review H9 and any city-specific senior exemption, especially if school-tax relief may apply.
Review H5 and H10, prepare VA documentation, DD214 if needed, proof of residence and income information if age 65 or older.
Use the Property Appraisal portal and file within 45 days of the assessment notice date.
Check whether the city exemption is automatic with county approval or requires a separate city filing.
Important notice
Independent Information, Tax Caution and Property-Records Notice
This page is independent informational content for DeKalb County, Georgia homeowners.
It is not the official website of the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner, DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department, Board of Assessors, Georgia Department of Revenue, any city tax office or any court.
It is not legal advice, tax advice, an official tax bill, an exemption approval, an appeal filing, a valuation decision, a city exemption approval or a title opinion.
Verify current forms, deadlines, income limits, exemption amounts, filing methods, city rules, office hours, tax bill due dates and appeal procedures directly with the responsible government 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 eligibility, insurance underwriting or any FCRA-regulated purpose.
FAQs
DeKalb County GA Homestead Exemption FAQs
Who qualifies for the DeKalb County homestead exemption?
A homeowner generally must own and occupy the DeKalb County property as the primary legal residence as of January 1, use the property address for legal-residence purposes, register vehicles at the residence, file taxes from the residence, and not claim homestead elsewhere.
Where do I file for homestead exemption in DeKalb County GA?
File with the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office. The central property tax office is at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100, Decatur, GA 30032, and the main phone number is 404-298-4000.
What is the DeKalb County homestead exemption deadline?
The standard Georgia deadline is April 1 for the current tax year. For 2026, DeKalb’s special exemption online application page lists July 13, 2026, reflecting the current-year appeal-window timing. Always verify the active deadline on DeKalbTaxGA.gov.
Can I apply for DeKalb homestead online?
Yes. DeKalb offers online basic and special homestead exemption applications. Basic homestead is for first-time qualifying homeowners; special exemptions are for applicants who already have basic homestead and meet senior, disability, veteran or surviving-spouse rules.
Does DeKalb County homestead apply automatically after I buy a home?
No. DeKalb states that all homeowners seeking a homestead exemption must file an application. A mortgage company or closing attorney does not automatically file it when the home is purchased.
What documents are needed for DeKalb homestead exemption?
Prepare parcel information, proof of ownership, Georgia driver license or Georgia ID with the residence address, vehicle registration at the DeKalb residence, income-tax address proof, and no-other-homestead proof. Senior, disability, veteran and surviving-spouse exemptions may require tax returns, Social Security 1099s, age proof, disability proof, VA documentation or death/service records.
What is the DeKalb Property Assessment Freeze?
The Property Assessment Freeze offsets future increases in property value for the county portion of a qualifying homestead bill. It does not affect school, city or state taxes, and DeKalb says the freeze level cannot be re-frozen at a lower level later.
Do special senior exemptions require basic homestead first?
Yes. DeKalb states that applicants must have an existing homestead exemption on the primary residence to qualify for a special homestead exemption.
Which senior exemptions are available in DeKalb County?
DeKalb lists several senior and disability codes, including H3, H4, H6, H7, H8 and H9. These depend on age, disability status, Georgia Net Income, gross income or federal adjusted gross income limits.
Does DeKalb County offer a disabled veteran homestead exemption?
Yes. DeKalb lists H5 for disabled veterans or eligible surviving spouses and H10 for disabled veterans who are 65 or older and meet additional income rules. VA documentation, DD214 or other proof may be required.
How do I check if my DeKalb homestead exemption was approved?
Search your property on the DeKalb Tax Commissioner property information page and look for the Exemption Code field. If approved, the exemption should appear there. If denied, DeKalb says a letter will explain why.
How do I appeal my DeKalb property value?
Use the DeKalb Property Appraisal portal or a paper appeal. Appeals generally must be filed within 45 days of the assessment notice date, and the notice access code may be needed for online appeal filing.
Official resources