Homestead Exemption

2021 Information and Resources

2022 Homestead Exemption Explanation
2022 Homestead Exemption Chart
2022 Homestead Application

About Homestead Exemptions
Georgia has enacted homestead exemptions to reduce Georgia homeowners’ ad valorem taxation burden (property taxation rate). All homeowners who occupy their home or property as of January 1of the year they file their application can apply for Homestead exemptions. If you move into your property after January 1 and file your application, the homestead exemption goes into effect the following year.

You are ineligible if you are receiving a homestead exemption on any other property in other Georgia counties or in any other states. 

Since married couples are considered as a single family unit by law, husband and wife may claim only one homestead exemption between them. Additionally, all vehicles you and your wife own must be registered in Newton County. 

Fee Note
Homestead exemptions do not exempt applicants from such fees as solid waste and streetlights. 

Application Requirements

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-36-1, all applicants for homestead exemption must indicate on the application whether they are U.S. citizens or are qualified aliens or non-immigrants under the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act. For purposes of verification, those applicants who indicate they are qualified aliens or non-immigrants are required to submit their valid documentation from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service with their application.

Application Process

The Newton County Tax Commissioner receives applications for homestead exemption and forwards the applications to the Board of Tax Assessors for final determination as to your eligibility. If denied, you have the right to appeal the Board of Assessors’ decision to the Board of Equalization.

Once applied for and granted, the exemption is automatically renewed from year to year, as long as you continuously occupy the residence as a homestead and the eligibility conditions still apply.

Please note the following:

• You do not have to apply again unless there is a change in ownership, name, or a spelling correction on the deed; or if you seek to qualify for a different type of exemption.
• The same application is used to apply for all exemptions.
• Adding or deleting a person’s name on a deed, may require you to re-file for homestead exemption.
• Refinancing a home does not affect your current exemption.

Apply

The deadline to apply for homestead exemptions is April 1.
Click here for the application.

Homestead exemptions may be filed any time during the year. However, you must file for exemptions by April 1 to apply to that current tax year. You must still own and occupy the property as of January 1 to be eligible for the current year.

Apply in person at: 
Newton County Tax Assessor’s Office
1113 Usher Street Suite 102

Covington, Georgia 30014 

Apply by mailing your application to:
Newton County Tax Assessor’s Office
1113 Usher Street Suite 102

Covington, Georgia 30014 

When mailing your application, We recommend you send it by certified mail and it is postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service by April 1. Metered dates are not accepted as timely.

For questions pertaining to homestead exemptions, please call (770)748-2030.

For seniors and all other special exemptions, you must apply in person or mail your application to our office. Be sure to include all required documentation.