City of Atlanta; independent school district ad valorem for educational purposes; provide homestead exemption

School tax relief for Atlanta seniors

The law creates a $50,000 exemption from Atlanta independent school district taxes, starting with tax years beginning January 1, 2026. This removes assessed home value from taxation; it is not a $50,000 refund. Residents must be 65 or older on January 1 of the year they apply. They must occupy a qualifying homestead, including no more than five connected acres. The exemption adds to other district homestead exemptions but excludes school bond debt taxes. It does not reduce state, county, city, or county school district taxes. Total exempted value is capped at $487.804878 million each tax year. The district checks totals at year-end; everyone gets the full exemption below the cap, or the same proportional reduction above it. Residents must apply to the district or its designee using district-provided forms with age and eligibility information. The exemption renews automatically while they remain eligible and occupy the home; recipients must report eligibility changes. The law requires a district voter referendum on November 4, 2025, paid for by the City of Atlanta. The tax break takes effect January 1, 2026, only with approval from more than half of votes cast. Rejection or failure to hold the required election prevents the exemption and automatically repeals the act 365 days after that election date.