Now is a good time to apply for 2014 homestead exemptions

If you need to file for a new homestead exemption in Decatur for 2014, this is the perfect time of year. Filing within the next month will help ensure that your exemption appears on your 1st installment tax bill which will be mailed out April 1.

If you previously applied for a homestead exemption with the City of Decatur, you do not need to re-apply with us. If you filed for an exemption with DeKalb, you must also apply with Decatur. If you only applied with Decatur, you should also apply with DeKalb.  You must also apply if you qualify for a new exemption based on age or income. Further information on local homestead exemptions can be found at www.decaturga.com/homestead.

Eligible residents can apply for the basic homestead exemption on our website here. For exemptions based on age or income, please come to City Hall at 509 North McDonough Street.

Income tax help at Decatur Recreation Center

If you’re a senior and need help with your income taxes, AARP is offering sessions twice a week at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street, between now and April 11.

From BeActiveDecatur.com:

Tax Help! AARP* Tax Aide counselors will be on hand at the Recreation Center to offer free assistance to seniors with federal income tax returns every Wednesday and Friday from 10am-2pm starting February 5 through Tax Day. So bring your materials, sign in with the counselor, and take a few laps around the indoor walking track while you wait.

*(AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free, individualized tax preparation for low-to moderate-income taxpayers nationwide – especially those 60 and older.)

If you pay local property taxes and itemize deductions on your federal income tax return, you'll want to bring records of what you paid in property taxes to the Tax Aide counselors. You can access your property tax receipts at www.decaturgatax.com.

The DeKalb Library system has information about additional AARP tax sites in the area, and VITA tax assistance which is available to all taxpayers, not just senior citizens here.