April 1 is the cutoff date for filing for the Georgia Homeowners Property Tax exemption in most Georgia counties. 
While the state funding for relief under the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant (HTRG) was unfunded last year, and has not yet been refunded, many counties have their own special homestead exemptions which may include a military veterans exemption, exemptions based upon age, exemptions based upon income and many other types of exemptions that could result in a reduction of your property tax liability.
Although most counties have a cut off date of April 1, some counties, such as Athens-Clarke County have already passed their Mar. 1 deadline. But, if you live in any of the counties surrounding Athens, such as Jackson, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Madison, Barrow or Walton counties, you might still qualify for a property tax reduction if you meet any of the other eligibility criteria.
To qualify for any of the homestead exemptions, a home has to have been your legal residence as of Jan. 1, this year. If you bought previous to 2009, and have not filed, you can still file for this years credit. If you miss the filing deadline, you can still file but you will not receive any relief until next years, 2011, property tax season.
If you are interested in more information about this, or, are considering buying or selling real estate in the Athens, Ga area, including the surrounding communities and counties, please call me at 706-207-5290. For a copy of my 99 Tips for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell, please click here to email me with the request. To search for homes in Athens, Ga. area, as well as NE. Georgia, please visit my website, The Athens Real Estate Page.
