Homeowners have until April 1 to submit a homestead exemption application. In addition, homeowners within several cities can now take advantage of a city homestead exemption. Lastly, seniors who have turned 62 or older can qualify for the senior exemption off school taxes. Applications are being accepted by Henry County, Hampton, Locust Grove and Stockbridge.
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Homestead Exemption Applications 2025
Homestead exemptions are available for homeowners who owned and lived within their homes as of January 1, 2025. The exemption reduces a homeowner’s property tax bill. How much one’s tax bill decreases varies by exemption. The deadline each year to submit an application is April 1 for it to apply towards this year’s property taxes.
If homeowners previously applied for their exemption, then they do not need to re-apply each year provided they continue to live at that address. There are, however, some exceptions this year in which a homeowner may need to submit a second application at the city level.
Henry County
Henry County has a general L1 exemption for all homeowners. This reduces the homeowner’s assessed property value by $15,000 for county government taxes and $4,000 for school board taxes. This reduces a homeowner’s tax bill by $135–235 annually for county government taxes, dependent if they’re in the city or unincorporated, and $80 for school board taxes.
In addition, the county exemption automatically qualifies the homeowner for the county’s frozen exemption. This “freezes” the homeowner’s county government property taxes. It saves the homeowner more money the longer one owns their home.
Homeowners can apply for the county exemption at the admin building, 140 Henry Parkway, McDonough. The county tax assessor’s office and tax commissioner’s office accept homestead applications on the lower level of the building. Information how to apply is on the county website.
Senior Exemption
In addition, seniors who are age 62 or older as of January 1, 2025 can apply for the school board senior exemption. The senior exemption starts at age 62 then increases at ages 65, 68 and 70. Once a senior applies for the exemption once, then it will automatically increase with each age. Follow the above link to the county website how to apply for that exemption.
City Exemptions
Relatively new to Henry County are city homestead exemptions. Hampton started accepting applications for the first time last year. Locust Grove and Stockbridge are now accepting applications this year as well. Homeowners in each of these three cities need to apply for their city exemption.
The city exemption lowers the homeowner’s city property taxes. The amount one’s tax bill is lowered varies by city.
Hampton
The city of Hampton has a general exemption available to all homeowners. They also have senior exemptions at ages 62 and 68. The Hampton website has more information how to apply for the city’s exemption.
Locust Grove
The Locust Grove exemption is a 100% exemption off city property taxes. The city has not had a property tax in past years; however, their budget anticipates a possible property tax taking effect this fall. Homeowners must apply by April 1 to receive the 100% exemption. The Locust Grove homestead application is here.
Stockbridge
Lastly, Stockbridge is now accepting homestead applications. Voters approved the Stockbridge exemption in November 2024. It provides a standard exemption for all homeowners. There’s also a senior exemption (age 62 or older) and exemption for homeowners with a septic tank. An online application is available on the Stockbridge website.
A Note About McDonough
The McDonough council opted to stay in House Bill 581 last month. This floating exemption is also the city’s first homestead exemption. After further discussions, the HB 581 exemption will automatically extend to all homeowners provided they have another existing homestead exemption on file. The Henry Reporter previously reported a separate application in McDonough would be needed.
McDonough homeowners, provided you receive the county exemption, then a second application is not necessary with the city. This is different from the other cities because the other cities’ exemptions were passed locally. The other cities’ exemptions provide greater savings than solely HB 581.
Still have questions about homestead exemption? Reach out by email and we will assist as best we can.
Featured image shows the Henry County Admin Building. Clayton Carte photo.
