Forsyth County residents seeking to apply for the homestead exemption, or the age 65 plus school tax exemption, can now do so through the online Smartfile Tax Exemption Application tool located on the County’s website, forsythco.com.

“We are excited to offer an entirely online option for residents to apply for these exemptions,” said Forsyth County Chief Appraiser Mary Kirkpatrick. “Of course, anyone can still apply for an exemption in-person at the Board of Assessors office, but now residents can apply for exemptions from the comfort of home if they so choose.”

The homestead exemption is one way to reduce the amount of property tax paid on residential property. In Forsyth County, if you own the property, reside on that property and are a legal resident of the County, all as of Jan. 1 of the tax year, you may qualify for the homestead exemption. Applications for exemptions can be filed year-round but must be sent in by April 1 to receive the benefits for that year.

Homeowners who are 65 years of age on or before Jan. 1 are entitled to a full exemption in the school general and school bond tax categories.

For more information on all tax exemptions as well as how to apply online or in-person, click here to visit the Board of Assessors webpage.