NEWTON COUNTY, Ga - There are several homestead exemptions which have been enacted to reduce the burden of ad valorem taxation for homeowners in Newton County.

These exemptions apply to property owned and occupied by a taxpayer as their legal residence. Homeowners who have acquired a new or different residential dwelling by way of property transfer before Jan. 1, 2020, need to apply for the exemption by April 1 in order to get credit for 2020 tax bill.

The following homestead exemptions available in Newton County:

1.      Standard Homestead Exemption - $4,000 exemption deducted from the assessed value of the property.  Resulting in a savings of $132.87 (based on average home value of $150,000)

2.      Individuals 65 years of age or older as net income is defined by Georgia law - $30,000 exemption deducted from the assessed value of the property. Resulting in a savings of $996.54 (based on average home value of $150,000)

3.      Individuals 62 years of age or older as net income is defined by Georgia law - $20,000 exemption deducted from the assessed value of the property. Resulting in a savings of $664.36 (based on average home value of $150,000)

4.      Qualified disabled veterans or their un-remarried surviving spouse or minor child - $90,364 exemption deducted from the assessed value of the property. Resulting in the homeowner paying a minimal amount for fire district (based on average home value of $150,000)

Property owners may also apply for any specialized and preferential assessment program during this time.

1.      CONSERVATION USE (CUVA)

2.      PREFERENTIAL ASSESSMENT

3.      FOREST LAND PROTECTION ACT (FLPA)

4.      Brownfield Property

5.      Rehabilitated Historic Property

6.      Landmark Historic Property

7.      Residential Transitional Property

Newton County residents must file their returns from Jan. 1 through April 1. All property owners may file an initial tax return for taxable property owned on January 1 of the tax year. Business owners are responsible for reporting all personal property during this time. Returns are filed in the Tax Assessors Office and forms are available online and in the office. The tax return is a listing of property owned by the taxpayer and the taxpayer's declaration of the value of the property.

For more information about Newton County, please visit www.ncboc.com, like Newton County, Ga on Facebook or follow @NewtonCounty on Twitter.