DeKalb County GA Homestead Exemption: 2026 Rules, Savings & Filing Guide
If you owned and occupied your DeKalb County home as your primary legal residence on January 1, 2026, a homestead exemption can reduce taxable assessed value, unlock DeKalb’s county assessment freeze and make the property eligible for additional homestead-based tax relief.
The standard H1 Basic Homestead Exemption has no age or income requirement. DeKalb’s published exemption schedule provides a $10,000 county exemption and $12,500 school exemption, with additional exemptions available for qualifying seniors, disabled residents, disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses.
Did You Miss DeKalb County’s April 1 Homestead Deadline?
April 1 remains the normal filing target, but Georgia changed its law so certain homeowners may apply for a current-year homestead exemption during the same 45-day period used to appeal an annual notice of assessment.
Filed by April 1
This is the safest filing path for current-year treatment and avoids waiting for the assessment-notice appeal window.
Missed April 1?
If your property received a reassessment, Georgia law permits a homestead application in conjunction with or instead of an appeal during the 45-day assessment appeal period.
After July 13, 2026
DeKalb’s 2026 special-exemption portal says applications received after July 13 are processed for the next tax year.
How the DeKalb County Basic Homestead Exemption Works
H1 is the starting exemption for a qualifying DeKalb homeowner. There is no age requirement and no household-income limit.
Could You Qualify for DeKalb County’s Basic Homestead Exemption?
This self-check mirrors the main residency conditions DeKalb publishes for first-time basic homestead applicants.
How to Apply for the DeKalb County Homestead Exemption
The county accepts basic applications online, by mail, in person and by drop box. Special exemptions require an existing basic homestead and additional age, income, disability or veteran documentation.
Search your DeKalb property record first
Confirm the owner name, parcel ID, property address and existing exemption code. An H1/H1F or another homestead code may mean a basic exemption is already active.
Search Property / Exemption Status ↗Confirm January 1 ownership and residency
You generally must have owned and occupied the home as your primary residence on January 1 of the tax year for which you seek the exemption.
Make your records match your legal residence
DeKalb expects the property to be your legal residence for all purposes, including Georgia ID/driver’s license, vehicle registration and income-tax filing.
Submit the Basic Homestead application
The application is not automatic. Your mortgage lender and closing attorney do not file it for you.
Open Basic Homestead Application ↗If eligible, apply for a special exemption
Seniors, qualifying disabled residents, disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses can apply for enhanced tax relief after the basic homestead is established.
Open Special Exemption Application ↗Save the confirmation number or filing copy
Keep evidence of submission. Draft online filings that are not completed are not the same as submitted applications.
Check the property record for an exemption code
DeKalb instructs homeowners to use its Property Information system and look for the Exemption Code field. If denied, the county sends a letter explaining the denial.
Review the next assessment notice and tax bill
Verify the exemption code, frozen-base information where applicable and the tax savings actually applied by each taxing authority.
Documents to Gather for a DeKalb Homestead Application
Basic applicant
- Property address.
- Parcel / property identification information.
- Georgia driver’s license or state ID showing residency.
- Vehicle-registration information.
- Ownership and January 1 occupancy information.
Senior or income-based applicant
- Previous year’s federal income-tax return.
- Previous year’s Georgia income-tax return.
- Social Security Form 1099s.
- Proof of age and residency.
- Other retirement/income records when requested.
Veteran / disability applicant
- VA Letter of Adjudication when applicable.
- DD214 when required.
- Proof of 100% permanent and total disability or qualifying compensation status.
- Surviving-spouse documentation where applicable.
DeKalb County H3, H4, H6, H7, H8 & H9 Exemptions for 2026
Special exemptions can reduce school taxes dramatically—sometimes eliminating qualifying school ad valorem taxes entirely. The correct code depends on age, disability status and the specific income definition used by that exemption.
| Code | Age / Disability Rule | 2026 Income Rule | School Benefit | County Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H3 | Age 62+ or 100% permanently disabled non-veteran by Jan. 1 | $10,000 Georgia Net Income | Exempts qualifying recipient(s) from all school taxes | $10,000 for county levies except bonds |
| H4 | Age 65+ or 100% permanently disabled by Jan. 1 | $10,000 Georgia Net Income | Exempts recipient(s) from all school taxes | $14,000 for county levies |
| H6 | Age 65+ or 100% permanently disabled by Jan. 1 | $37,500 Georgia Net Income | $16,500 exemption | $14,000 exemption |
| H7 | Age 62+ or 100% permanently disabled non-veteran by Jan. 1 | $40,000 gross household income | $22,500 exemption | $10,000 except bonds |
| H8 | Age 65+ or 100% permanently disabled by Jan. 1 | $40,000 gross household income | $22,500 exemption | $14,000 exemption |
| H9 | Age 70+ by Jan. 1 | $113,664 Federal Adjusted Gross household income | Exempts applicant(s) from school taxes | $10,000 except bonds |
DeKalb Senior / Disability Exemption Selector
Enter the age and select the income category that appears closest to your situation. This does not replace the county’s official income calculation.
Different codes use different definitions of income. The county—not this selector—determines final eligibility.
DeKalb Disabled Veteran and Surviving-Spouse Homestead Exemptions
Disabled Veteran / Veteran Spousal Exemption
DeKalb’s 2026 homestead information lists no age or financial requirement for H5 when the veteran meets the qualifying disability rules.
- $129,026 exemption for school levies.
- $126,526 exemption for other qualifying levies.
- Veteran generally must be honorably discharged and reside at the property.
- VA adjudication or qualifying DD214/statutory disability documentation is required.
Disabled Veteran Senior Exemption
A disabled veteran age 65 or older on January 1 who also meets H5 requirements may qualify for H10 when the applicable household Georgia Net Income limit is met.
- Age 65+ as of January 1.
- $10,000 Georgia Net Income limit.
- Exemption from all qualifying school taxes.
- $126,526 exemption for other qualifying levies.
DeKalb County Property Assessment Freeze Explained
One of the most valuable parts of a DeKalb homestead is not just the fixed-dollar exemption. Qualifying homestead properties can also receive a county assessment freeze designed to offset future increases in county taxable value.
H1 Basic Homestead
Reduces taxable assessed value by fixed amounts such as $10,000 for qualifying county levies and $12,500 for school levies.
County Assessment Freeze
Helps offset later increases in assessed property value for the county portion of the tax bill while the homeowner continues to qualify.
Estimate the Basic DeKalb Homestead Tax Savings
Enter the applicable county and school millage rates from your tax bill. This calculator estimates only the direct H1 fixed-exemption effect; it does not attempt to predict your EHOST credit, freeze savings, city exemption or special-exemption benefit.
Millage varies by tax district and year. A mill equals $1 of tax for each $1,000 of taxable assessed value. Use your own taxing-authority millage for a meaningful estimate.
How DeKalb’s EHOST Credit Adds More Homestead Savings
DeKalb has an unusual additional benefit: approved homestead properties qualify for relief funded by the county’s Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax, commonly shown on the tax bill as an EHOST Credit.
1% sales tax
EHOST is funded by a one-percent local sales tax dedicated to property-tax relief for qualifying homestead properties.
Automatic with approved homestead
DeKalb states that properties with an approved homestead exemption qualify for EHOST tax relief; homeowners do not file a separate EHOST application.
Amount varies
The actual credit depends on the homestead’s assessed value and EHOST revenue. Check the current tax bill rather than using a prior year’s credit as a guaranteed future amount.
DeKalb County City Homestead Exemptions Can Add Another Layer of Savings
Your address may say Decatur, Atlanta, Dunwoody, Tucker or another city, but municipal exemption rules do not all work the same way. Some are granted with the county filing; others require a separate city application.
| City | Published Local Homestead Rule | Separate City Filing? |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | City exemptions are granted along with the DeKalb County exemption. | Check Atlanta rules for additional city/school programs. |
| Avondale Estates | DeKalb says local exemptions are not awarded. | Not for a local exemption listed by county. |
| Brookhaven | $40,000 basic city homestead plus city assessment freeze if applicable; qualifying senior benefit published at $160,000 plus freeze. | Granted with county exemption. |
| Chamblee | $50,000 basic exemption. Qualifying age-65+ or 100% disabled residents may receive 100% exemption from city ad valorem taxes. | Elderly exemption is filed with City of Chamblee. |
| Clarkston | Qualifying seniors age 65 may receive an additional $20,000 exemption from assessed value. | Confirm current city procedure. |
| Decatur | City of Decatur administers its own local exemptions. | Yes — apply with City of Decatur. |
| Doraville | $10,000 basic city exemption plus 2.5-mill reduction; age-70+ residents may qualify for full city tax exemption. | Elderly exemption is filed with Doraville. |
| Dunwoody | $10,000 basic exemption plus 1-mill reduction; qualifying age-65 senior exemption of $14,000 plus 1-mill reduction. | County applies published city exemption. |
| Lithonia | $2,000 basic city exemption; certain age-65+ or 100% disabled low-income residents may receive an additional $2,000. | County applies published city exemption. |
| Pine Lake | $4,000 basic city exemption. | Granted along with county exemption. |
| Stone Mountain | Qualifying age-62+ residents with income below the city’s limit may receive a $20,000 exemption for city operations. | Yes — local exemptions filed with city. |
| Stonecrest | $10,000 basic exemption plus 1-mill reduction; published senior exemption is $14,000 plus 1-mill reduction for qualifying residents. | County applies published city exemption. |
| Tucker | $10,000 basic city exemption plus assessment freeze if applicable; qualifying senior exemption listed at $14,000 plus freeze. | Granted along with county exemption. |
How to Check Whether Your DeKalb Homestead Exemption Is Active
Open DeKalb Property Information
Open Property Search ↗Search by address or parcel
Open the property detail page and confirm the owner information is correct.
Find “Exemption Code” or the exemption section
Common codes include H1/H1F for basic homestead and H3, H4, H6, H7, H8, H9 or H10 for special exemptions.
Check the freeze/base-year fields
A property receiving the assessment-freeze benefit may show a frozen base year or related exemption/freeze information.
Compare the tax statement
Look for constitutional homestead exemption amounts, freeze savings and EHOST credit rather than relying only on the exemption code.
Common DeKalb Homestead Problems and the Next Step
I bought the house after January 1, 2026
You generally were not the January 1 owner/occupant for the 2026 homestead qualification.
Next: file early for 2027 if the home becomes your qualifying principal residence.
I missed April 1
Georgia now allows applications during the 45-day assessment appeal period in applicable reassessment situations.
Next: check the exact deadline printed on your current Notice of Assessment. For the main 2026 DeKalb cycle, that deadline was July 13.
I filed online but see no exemption code
A submitted application can take time to process, and an unfinished online draft is not a completed filing.
Next: locate your filing confirmation, check the Property Information page and call 404-298-4000 if the status remains unclear.
My vehicle is registered at another address
DeKalb specifically requires owned or leased vehicles to be registered at the legal residence.
Next: correct residency records before assuming the homestead application will be approved.
I moved to another DeKalb home
Homestead exemptions are not transferable from one residence to another.
Next: apply again for the new qualifying home rather than assuming the old exemption follows you.
I rent the house out
Rental property is not eligible as your homestead if it was rented rather than your legal residence on the qualification date.
Next: notify the Tax Commissioner if you no longer qualify; continued improper exemption can create tax and penalty issues.
I turned 65 after January 1
DeKalb’s special senior exemptions measure age as of January 1.
Next: prepare to apply for the following tax year if you meet the age and income conditions by the next January 1.
My bill did not drop as much as expected
Homestead exemptions do not eliminate every levy, bond, city tax or special assessment. EHOST and freeze benefits also vary.
Next: read the bill by taxing authority and compare taxable values, exemptions and credits line by line.
DeKalb County Homestead Exemption Office, Phone & Hours
Homestead applications are administered through the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office, not the Property Appraisal Department.
Decatur, GA 30032
Monday–Friday
Property Tax: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Chamblee, GA 30341
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Walk-in location.
Decatur, GA 30034
Gallery at South DeKalb Mall
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Tax Commissioner vs Property Appraisal: Do Not Send the Wrong Issue to the Wrong Office
DeKalb County GA Homestead Exemption FAQs
How much is the basic DeKalb County homestead exemption?
DeKalb’s basic H1 exemption provides a $10,000 exemption for qualifying county levies and $12,500 for qualifying school taxes. These amounts reduce assessed taxable value rather than the home’s full market value.
Who qualifies for the DeKalb County basic homestead exemption?
A qualifying homeowner generally must own and occupy the property as the primary legal residence on January 1, maintain residency records such as Georgia ID and vehicle registration at the property, file taxes from the residence and not claim another homestead elsewhere.
What was the DeKalb County homestead deadline for 2026?
April 1 was the normal filing deadline. Georgia law also permits qualifying homestead applications during the 45-day assessment appeal period in applicable reassessment situations. DeKalb’s 2026 special-exemption filing portal listed July 13, 2026 as the current-year deadline, with later applications processed for the next tax year.
Do I need to reapply for DeKalb homestead every year?
Normally no. Once approved, the exemption remains while the homeowner continues to own and reside at the property and remains eligible. Moving to another residence requires a new application because exemptions are not transferable.
Does DeKalb County homestead include an assessment freeze?
Yes. DeKalb’s basic online application includes the county Property Assessment Freeze. It is designed to offset future value increases for the county portion of the bill and does not freeze school, city or state taxes.
What is H3 in DeKalb County?
H3 is available to qualifying residents age 62 or older or qualifying 100% permanently disabled non-veterans. It has a $10,000 Georgia Net Income limit, exempts qualifying recipients from school taxes and maintains a $10,000 county exemption except bonds.
What is the DeKalb H9 senior exemption?
H9 is for qualifying homeowners age 70 or older on January 1. For 2026, DeKalb lists a $113,664 Federal Adjusted Gross household-income limit. It exempts qualifying applicants from school taxes while maintaining the $10,000 county exemption except bonds.
Can a disabled veteran get a DeKalb County homestead exemption?
Yes. H5 provides substantial exemptions for qualifying disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses. DeKalb’s 2026 information lists $129,026 for school levies and $126,526 for other qualifying levies. VA or other qualifying disability documentation is required.
How do I check my DeKalb homestead exemption status?
Search the DeKalb Property Information system by address or parcel and look for the Exemption Code or exemption section. If there is no code after sufficient processing time, contact the Tax Commissioner at 404-298-4000 with your filing confirmation.
Is it free to apply for the DeKalb homestead exemption?
Yes. Filing directly with the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office is free. The county has warned homeowners to be cautious of third parties charging fees simply to submit an exemption application.
Official DeKalb County Homestead Resources
Use these live government resources for filing, current deadlines, exemption status and changes to income limits or local municipal rules.