ABOUT
During a recent implementation of new property tax software, it was discovered that the amount for Homestead Freeze Exemption had been incorrectly applied to the tax digest during the property tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020. As a result, some Woodstock property taxpayers, who had an applicable Homestead Freeze Exemption during one of those years, may be due a refund. This does not impact the most recent property tax year 2021.
The Constitution of Georgia allows counties to enact local homestead exemptions. Cherokee County has implemented an exemption that will freeze the valuation of property at the base year valuation for as long as the homeowner resides on the property. Even as property values continue to rise the homeowner's taxes will be based upon the base year valuation. To receive an exemption, a homeowner must apply in person at the Canton location of the Cherokee County Tax Assessors Office.
On March 25th, 2022, the City of Woodstock Finance Department mailed refund checks to those impacted residential property taxpayers who received an applicable Homestead Freeze Exemption during property tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020, and are still on record as owning the property in property tax year 2021.
Letter that accompanied automatic refund checks
The amount of funds incorrectly applied to the tax digest is $825,972.03. There are 9,542 property taxpayers who have not moved that will receive a check automatically and 1,427 property taxpayers who have moved that need to contact the City of Woodstock Finance Department to request a refund.
INFO FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE MOVED
Woodstock residential property taxpayers who received an applicable Homestead Freeze Exemption during property tax years 2018, 2019, or 2020, but who later sold their property may also be due a refund. If a refund is due, taxpayers who have moved need to request a tax refund from the City of Woodstock Finance Department. Only those City of Woodstock taxpayers listed should apply. No other refunds are being held for taxpayers.
LIST OF TAX REFUNDS BEING HELD
Taxpayers whose refund is being held should complete an application and provide all information necessary to prove they are the original property owner due a refund for the tax years requested. Once completed, the request should be emailed to TaxProject@woodstockga.gov or mailed to:
Woodstock Finance Department
Attn: Tax Refund Project
12453 Highway 92
Woodstock, GA 30188
DOWNLOAD REFUND REQUEST FORM
Please allow a minimum of 3-4 weeks for processing. The City of Woodstock Finance Department will be in contact with the requestor if any additional information is needed to process the refund.
Inquiries regarding this matter may be directed to TaxProject@woodstockga.gov. Taxpayers may also reach the City of Woodstock Finance Department by phone at 770-592-6051.