Jennine  M. Hunter

Georgia began sending 2026 homeowner tax relief funds to local governments, moving approved property tax relief from the state budget into homeowners' bills.
Eligible Georgia homeowners received an $18K reduction in their homestead's assessed value for the 2026 tax year, lowering the property taxes they owed.
This was a one-time program, and the savings appeared directly on property tax bills to homeowners, not as separate checks or direct deposits.
Homeowners with a qualifying homestead exemption did not need a separate application, while the state revenue agency processed local submissions and verified documentation.
Some homeowners already saw lower bills, while others saw relief as local governments kept issuing tax bills; eligibility questions went to local tax offices.

Georgia's $18K Homestead Tax Relief

A second home mortgage finances a property beyond your primary residence, a single-family home you control, use part of the year, and can occupy year-round.
For tax purposes, a vacation property generally means staying there at least 14 days yearly, or >10% of rented time during the year.
If you rent it year-round or need rental income to qualify, lenders may treat it as an investment property with stricter terms.
Second homes usually need bigger down payments. To qualify for purchase by the agencies, at least 10% down is required, though lenders often want more.
Using equity from your primary home can help fund a down payment, but that borrowing uses your home as collateral and adds debt.