With the new year comes the time for filing for Homestead Exemptions in Hall County, Personal Property Reports, Agriculture Covenants, and Taxpayer Returns on Real Property.
Jan. 1 - April 1 is the time period for Hall County property owners to take care of all four.
According to a county news release, the reasons to file a Real Property Tax Return, a Personal Property Reporting Form, apply for a Homestead Exemption or the Conservation Use covenants are as follows:
*Personal Property: Personal Property Reporting forms have been mailed to owners of boats, personal watercraft (such as a Jet Ski or Wave Runner), aircraft and businesses. If you are an owner of a boat, personal watercraft, aircraft or a business, you are required to file the Personal Property Reporting Form on or before April 1. It is important to file to ensure that your information is correct and you get a fair assessment.
*Homestead Exemptions: If you haven't already done so. There are several different types of homestead exemptions ranging from Regular Homestead Exemption, Senior Citizens, Total School Tax, and Disabled Persons and Disabled Veterans Exemption. Only the Regular Homestead Exemption can be applied for online. To do so, go to hallcounty.org then to the Tax Assessors page and look for the "Online Regular Homestead Application" link. All other Homestead Exemptions must be applied for in-person at the Hall County Tax Assessors Office, located in the Hall County Government Center.
***Reminder: It is important to remember that Homestead Exemptions, and this includes School tax Exemptions, do not transfer when you relocate to a different primary residence. If you change your primary residence you must reapply for any exemptions you were receiving at the former residence. Also, if the ownership of your property changed in 2019 this could affect your qualification for any homestead exemption.
*Agriculture Covenant: If your property qualifies, you can apply for the Conservation Use Covenant. Property that is being used in a bona fide agriculture process qualifies for this agriculture covenant assessment reduction. If you purchased property under a covenant you must come in on or before April 1 and reapply to continue the covenant or certain penalties will apply. Certain restrictions may apply.
While not necessary, county officials say you might want to file a Taxpayer Return of Real Property if you would like your real property valuation reviewed for 2020.the Hall County Board of Tax Assessors Office is located on the first floor of the Hall County Government Center, located at 2875 Browns Bridge Road in Gainesville.
If you are unsure what you should do or which exemption you should apply for, you can contact the Hall County Tax Assessors Office at 770-531-6720 for more information.
