Qualifying Georgia homeowners will receive property tax relief calculated using an $18,000 reduction in their homestead’s assessed value under a one-time state program.

Gov. Brian Kemp announced Monday, Nov. 2, that the Georgia Department of Revenue will begin distributing funding to local governments this week, according to the governor’s office. The relief applies to the 2026 tax year.

For qualifying Dunwoody and Brookhaven homeowners in DeKalb County, the credit appears directly on property tax bills. No separate grant application is needed.

How the program works

The $18,000 figure is a reduction in taxable assessed value, not the amount homeowners save. Actual savings depend on applicable millage rates and the tax liability remaining after other exemptions and rollbacks.

Georgia generally assesses residential property at 40% of fair market value. The grant reduces the assessed value used to calculate eligible taxes. It does not apply to bond millage rates, tax allocation district rates or certain special service district rates, according to the Department of Revenue.

Homeowners receive the benefit through a lower tax bill rather than a separate check or direct deposit. Those who owe no property taxes do not receive an additional payment.

Some homeowners already have the credit on issued bills. Local governments apply to the state for reimbursement.

What DeKalb County homeowners should know

The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office says the grant credit is automatically reflected on bills for homeowners with qualifying basic, senior or special homestead exemptions.

The county mailed nearly 260,000 property tax bills Aug. 14. The second installment is due Nov. 16.

Tax Commissioner Nicole Golden has also warned residents about businesses charging for homestead exemption applications and assessment appeals that homeowners can file themselves at no cost.

Residents can check their exemption status at dekalbtaxga.gov or by calling 404-298-4000. Filing a new exemption application now does not automatically qualify a homeowner for relief on a 2026 bill.

Local tax context

The state grant is separate from Dunwoody’s existing local exemptions.

The city lists a property tax rate of 3.040 mills, with a continuing one-mill homestead exemption that lowers the effective rate for qualifying homes to 2.040 mills. Dunwoody also freezes assessed values for qualifying homesteads, according to its property tax page.

Homeowners with questions about their grant eligibility or the credit shown on their bill should contact the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office.