We know property taxes can be a big expense. Cherokee County has several types of tax exemptions to help. It’s vital to stay updated on these exemptions and any changes.
1. 2025 Updates to the Homestead Exemption
Homeowners benefit by filing for the homestead exemption to reduce their property taxes. It reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, which means a smaller tax bill. Plus, having the standard homestead exemption is a prerequisite for larger tax breaks like the School Tax Exemption.
In 2025, Cherokee County will launch some changes to the senior and disabled homestead exemption for school taxes. These changes will help reduce property tax bills for owners who qualify for the exemption. The boost in the amount of the exemption will protect more of your home’s value from taxes. This update aims to help homeowners, especially those facing rising property values.
2. No Cap on the School Tax Exemption
Starting in 2025, the School Tax Exemption for Seniors and Disabled Owners will no longer have a cap of $500,000 on the assessed value of homes. Qualified owners of this updated School Tax Exemption will be fully exempt from School Maintenance and Operations (M&O) and Bond taxes on their home’s assessed value.
To qualify for this exemption in 2026 or later, you must:
- Have lived in your home for at least 5 years.
- Apply for the homestead exemption.
This change is vital for future retirees and those seeking the exemption at age 62.
3. Homestead Exemption Details
In Cherokee County, it’s crucial that all owners on the deed file for the homestead exemption individually. Even if your homestead exemption is already in place, doing this now helps you avoid possible headaches later.
If you miss the filing, you might have to wait a few extra years to get the School Tax Exemption. Also, if the main filer dies, the other owners on the deed could lose the exemption until they meet the new 5-year residency rule.
To avoid issues, ensure all owners on the deed file the homestead exemption by April 1, 2025. This is important if you plan to qualify for the School Tax Exemption.
4. Grandfathering Benefits
If you’re currently enjoying the School Tax Exemption under the old rules, you will continue to receive it after 2025, even if you have yet to be in your home for 5 years. To be grandfathered in to continue to receive this tax break, all owners listed on the deed are required to have applied for the homestead exemption by April 1, 2025.
This new rule for existing recipients of the School Tax Exemption applies even if someone else on the deed has already applied. If only one spouse filed for the homestead exemption, both must apply before April 1, 2025, to avoid the 5-year wait to apply for this tax savings if one owner dies.
5. For Recent Homebuyers
Anyone who would turn age 62 and otherwise qualify for the School Tax Exemption after January 1, 2025 (in tax year 2026 and beyond) will now have to meet a 5-year homestead requirement to receive the School Tax Exemption.
This may impact someone who recently purchased a home and is expected to qualify for the School Tax Exemption in 2026 or 2027. It’s possible that you would now have to wait a couple additional years before you could apply for the school tax exemption, in order to meet the 5-year homestead requirement.
For anyone affected by these changes, it’s a great idea to get in touch with the Cherokee County Tax Assessor’s Office directly to make sure you meet the new requirements and file your exemptions correctly. For more information, check out the Cherokee County Tax Assessor’s Office at https://cherokeecountyga.gov/tax-assessors-office. Call the Tax Assessor’s Office directly for any specific questions about your own situation, as they have access to records about your property tax exemptions that are not available online: (678) 493-6120.
