How to Reduce Your Property Tax Bill

Paying taxes is a necessary evil -- and homeowners are always searching for ways to reduce their property taxes obligation. The Gwinnett Tax Assessors office has a few tips to lower the taxes on your property.

1. If you're a new homeowner, file for homestead exemption. Beginning this year, the application deadline is April 1. For an application contact the Property Tax Department or apply online at http://gwinnetttaxcommissioner.manatron.com/Tabs/Property/HomesteadExemption.aspx

There are several homestead exemptions available, to find out more visit www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com or call 770-822-8800.

2. The county offers several exemptions for seniors and the disabled, two of the most popular are the Regular School Exemption (S3) and the Senior/Disabled School Exemption (L5A).

• S3: You must be 62 years old as of January 1 and meet income requirements.

• L5A: You must be 65 years old or 100 percent permanently disabled as of January 1 and meet income requirements.

3. If you do not agree with the value placed on your property for tax purposes, file an ad valorem property tax return with the Assessor's Office.

4. Watch for your Notice of Current Assessment: Noticed are mailed in the spring of each year. If you disagree with the value, you may submit an appeal to the Tax Assesor's Office within 45 days of the date of notice.

Source: Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner's Office