Cobb County Senior School Tax Exemption: Who Qualifies and How Much You'll Save
Does Cobb County Exempt Seniors from School Taxes?
Yes — Cobb County offers a 100% school tax exemption to homeowners who are 62 or older as of January 1 of the tax year. There is no income limit. On a $380,000 home, the school tax bill runs approximately $2,840 per year at the current 18.7-mill school rate — meaning a qualifying senior pays $0 of that amount. The exemption applies to your primary residence only, auto-renews each year, and requires a one-time application filed with the Cobb County Tax Commissioner.
- Cobb County's school tax exemption kicks in at age 62 — no income test, no means test.
- At the current 18.7-mill school rate, the exemption saves roughly $2,200–$3,400 per year on a $300,000–$450,000 home.
- The exemption is 100% of school taxes — not a partial reduction.
- File a one-time application by April 1; HB 92 (2025) now allows late applications before the Notice of Assessment appeal deadline.
- The exemption auto-renews as long as you own and occupy the home.
If you're 62 or older and own your home in Cobb County, you may be paying a tax bill that's significantly larger than it needs to be. The Cobb County senior school tax exemption is one of the most valuable homeowner benefits in metro Atlanta — and a surprising number of eligible residents have never filed for it.
Here's exactly how it works, what you'll save, and how to claim it.
Cobb County School Taxes: What You're Currently Paying
Georgia property taxes are calculated in two steps: your home's fair market value is multiplied by 40% to get the assessed value, then the assessed value is multiplied by the millage rate. The Cobb County Board of Education held its school millage rate at 18.7 mills for fiscal year 2026 — one mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value.
| Home Value | Assessed Value (40%) | School Tax at 18.7 Mills |
|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $120,000 | $2,244/year |
| $380,000 | $152,000 | $2,842/year |
| $450,000 | $180,000 | $3,366/year |
School tax is typically the largest single portion of your property tax bill — and this exemption eliminates it entirely. For a full breakdown of all property tax components in Kennesaw and surrounding areas, see the Kennesaw property taxes and insurance guide for 2026.
Cobb County Senior Exemption: Who Qualifies
- Age: 62 on or before January 1 of the tax year
- Residency: Primary residence only — not rentals or second homes
- Ownership: Must be listed as an owner on the deed
- Homestead: Must have a homestead exemption on file (file that first if you haven't)
There is no income limit, no asset test, and no minimum years of ownership. Cobb County's 100% school tax exemption at age 62 applies to every qualifying homeowner regardless of financial situation — one of the most generous provisions in Georgia.
How Much You'll Save — Real Numbers
- $350,000 home: Assessed value $140,000 → school tax eliminated: $2,618/year → 10-year savings: ~$26,000
- $420,000 home: Assessed value $168,000 → school tax eliminated: $3,142/year → 10-year savings: ~$31,000
As your home's assessed value rises over time, the dollar value of the exemption grows with it. The exemption is not retroactive — it applies from the year you file forward. If you've been eligible for several years and haven't applied, you've been overpaying.
Buyers considering a retirement relocation to Acworth or Marietta should factor this into their long-term cost picture. Explore all West Cobb and North Atlanta communities to compare areas before you decide.
How to Apply for the Cobb County School Tax Exemption
- Confirm your homestead exemption is on file. This is a prerequisite — a separate one-time filing.
- Gather proof of age and primary residence. Driver's license or passport for age; utility bill or similar for residency.
- File with the Cobb County Tax Commissioner. Standard deadline is April 1. Under HB 92 (2025), late applications are now accepted before the Notice of Assessment appeal deadline. Contact: (770) 528-8600 or tax@cobbtax.gov.
- Confirm approval on your next tax notice. The exemption auto-renews each year you own and occupy the home. Reapplication is only required if ownership changes.
If you've received a Notice of Assessment and want to also challenge the assessed value, see how to appeal your Cobb County property tax assessment — the two processes are independent and can be pursued simultaneously.
What About Marietta City Taxes?
The Cobb County school tax exemption applies to unincorporated Cobb County and cities using the county school system — including Kennesaw, Acworth, and most of West Cobb. Marietta has its own city school system with separate exemption rules. If your property is within the City of Marietta, contact the Marietta City Tax Office directly to confirm what applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an income limit for the Cobb County senior school tax exemption?
No. Cobb County's 100% school tax exemption at age 62 has no income limit and no means test. It applies to all qualifying homeowners regardless of income or assets — this is different from some other Georgia counties that cap the benefit based on household income. Visit masoudpour.com for community guides across the North Atlanta area.
What if I just turned 62 — can I still apply this year?
You qualify if you were 62 on or before January 1 of the current tax year. Under HB 92 (2025), you can now file after the April 1 deadline and still receive the exemption for the current year — as long as you submit before the appeal deadline shown on your Notice of Assessment.
Does the exemption apply if I rent out part of my home?
The exemption is tied to your primary residence. Partial rentals can complicate eligibility. Contact the Cobb County Tax Commissioner at (770) 528-8600 to confirm how your specific situation is treated before applying.
If I'm selling my home, does the senior school tax exemption affect the buyer?
The exemption doesn't transfer with the property — it's tied to you as the owner. A buyer who doesn't qualify for the age-62 exemption will pay the full school tax after closing. If you're weighing whether to sell now or hold the property, the net proceeds guide for Kennesaw sellers can help you run those numbers first.
The Bottom Line
If you're 62 or older and own your home in Cobb County, this exemption is one of the most impactful things you can do for your annual housing costs — and it takes one application to lock in for the life of your ownership.
If you haven't filed yet, do it before this year's assessment cycle closes. And if you're not sure whether your current home still makes financial sense — or you're weighing a downsizing move in Kennesaw — I'm happy to walk you through the numbers. Schedule a 15-minute consultation and we'll look at your full cost picture together.
