2025 Property Tax Changes for Seniors in Cherokee County, GA

Major 2025 Tax Changes for Seniors & Disabled Residents in Cherokee County, Georgia

Big changes are coming in 2025 for seniors and disabled residents in Cherokee County, GA when it comes to property tax exemptions—especially the Senior/Disabled School Tax Exemption. If you're 62 or older or qualify as disabled, these updates could significantly impact your tax bill and long-term savings.

Let’s break down what’s changing, who it affects, and how to prepare before the April 1st, 2025 deadline.

🔑 Key Changes to the Senior/Disabled School Tax Exemption in 2025

✅ 1. Elimination of the Home Value Cap

As of January 1, 2025, there is no longer a cap on home values for those applying for the Senior/Disabled School Tax Exemption. This means:

• Seniors and disabled residents can now receive a 100% exemption from school taxes (both Maintenance & Operations and School Bond millage rates)

• This applies regardless of the value of the home—whether it’s $250,000 or $850,000+

📌 This change offers significant tax relief for retirees living in higher-valued homes.

✅ 2. Five-Year Homestead Requirement

Starting in 2025, eligible seniors and disabled individuals must have held a homestead exemption on their Cherokee County property for at least five consecutive years to qualify.

• This new rule aims to ensure only long-term residents benefit from the expanded exemption

• Newcomers or recent homeowners may need to wait five years before qualifying

✅ 3. Grandfathering for Current Exemption Holders

If you already had the Senior/Disabled School Tax Exemption before January 1, 2025, you’re grandfathered in—you do not need to reapply.

⚠️ However:
If not all owners listed on the property deed were included in the original exemption application, you must act by April 1, 2025 to avoid losing your status.

🔥 Additional Update: Statewide Floating Homestead Exemption

Thanks to House Bill 581, approved by Georgia voters in November 2024, a statewide floating homestead exemption is now in effect. Here’s what it means:

• Cherokee County already had a floating exemption for school Maintenance & Operations (M&O)

• As of 2025, this now also applies to the Fire District millage rate

• Cities such as Woodstock, Holly Springs, and Mountain Park are impacted as well

✅ This helps all homeowners—not just seniors—by limiting taxable value increases when home assessments spike.

🧮 Estimated Impact on School Funding

The Cherokee County School District projects a $14 million annual loss in tax revenue due to these expanded exemptions. While the benefits to seniors are significant, the school system is expected to re-evaluate funding strategies in the years ahead.

🗓️ Important Deadlines and Action Steps

• Deadline to Apply: April 1 of the effective tax year (April 1, 2025 for 2025 taxes)

• Who Needs to Apply:

  • New applicants turning 62 or becoming disabled

  • Anyone not currently listed on an existing exemption deed

  • Homeowners who’ve lived in their home less than 5 years will need to track eligibility for future years

📍 Where to Get More Information

To confirm eligibility, gather documentation, or apply online, visit the Cherokee County Tax Assessor’s Office or call their office directly.

💬 Final Thoughts: What This Means for Retirees and Homeowners

These 2025 property tax changes bring major savings for longtime senior and disabled residents in Cherokee County, but also add a layer of complexity for newer homeowners.

✅ If you’ve lived in your home for 5+ years and are 62 or older, 2025 could be the year you see the biggest tax break yet.
⚠️ If you're approaching eligibility, now’s the time to get your homestead exemption filed and make sure all co-owners are listed.

Need help navigating your senior tax exemption or planning your next move in Cherokee County?
Let’s talk strategy and make sure you’re getting every exemption you qualify for. Kelli Finney-click link- https://kellifinney.com/contact