Dawson CVB

Individuals 65 years of age or over may claim a $4,000 exemption from all state and county ad valorem taxes if the income of that person and his spouse does not exceed $10,000 for the prior year. Income from retirement sources, pensions, and disability income is excluded up to the maximum amount allowed to be paid to an individual and his spouse under the federal Social Security Act. The social security maximum benefit for 2005 is $46,536. The owner must notify the tax assessor’s office if for any reason they no longer meet the requirements for this exemption. (O.C.G.A. 48-5-47)

Individuals 62 Years of Age and Older May Claim an Individuals 62 years of age or over that are residents of each independent school district may claim an additional exemption from all ad valorem taxes for educational purposes and to retire school bond indebtedness if the income of that person and his spouse does not exceed $10,000 for the prior year. Income from retirement sources, pensions, and disability income is excluded up to the maximum amount allowed to be paid to an individual and his spouse under the federal Social Security Act. The social security maximum benefit for 2005 is $46,536. The owner must notify the tax assessor’s office if for any reason they no longer meet the requirements for this exemption. This exemption may not exceed $10,000 of the homestead's assessed value. (O.C.G.A. 48-5-52)

Floating Inflation-Proof Exemption
Individuals 62 Years of age or over may obtain a floating inflation-proof state and county homestead exemption, except for taxes to pay interest on and to retire bonded indebtedness, based on natural increases in the homestead's value. If the appraised value of the home has increased by more than $10,000, the owner may benefit from this exemption. Income, together with spouse or any other person residing in the house, cannot exceed $30,000. This exemption does not affect any municipal or educational taxes and is meant to be used in the place of any other state and county homestead exemption. (O.C.G.A. 48-5-47.1)

In addition to the various homestead exemptions that are authorized, the law provides a Property Tax Deferral Program whereby qualified homestead property owners 62 and older with a gross income of $15,000 or less may defer but not exempt the payment of ad valorem taxes on part or all of the homestead property. Generally, the tax would be deferred until the property ownership changes or until such time that the deferred taxes plus interest reach a level equal to 85% of the fair market value of the property.

Dawson County Weather

Education Opportunities for Seniors

Any college that is part of the Georgia state university system offers free tuition to Georgia resident students over the age of 62, provided there is space available! Students are responsible for books, supplies and lab fees. Nominal activity fees apply to students taking more than one class per semester.

North Georgia College and State University, Dahlonega, Georgia

Admissions 706-864-1800

Continuing Ed 706-864-1918

Health & Physical Ed 706-864-1758

Fine Arts 706-864-1423

• Free tuition if space is available
• Moderate fees apply
• Swimming, gymnasium, weight training, more
• Free concerts, free art exhibits, guest speakers, more

Gainesville College, Gainesville, Georgia

Admissions 770-718-3641

Continuing Ed 770-718-3605

Advancement 770-718-3607

• Free tuition If space is available
• Moderate fees apply

Lanier Tech, two campuses

Admissions:

Gainesville, GA 770-531-6332

Cumming, GA 770-781-6945

Medical Facilities: Chestatee Regional Hospital is located 15 miles north of Dawsonville in the city of Dahlonega. Northeast Georgia Medical Center and Lanier Park Hospital are located about 22 miles east of Dawsonville in the city of Gainesville. NorthSide Forsyth Hospital is located about 20 miles south of Dawsonville in the city of Cumming. All four facilities offer a full range of medical services with support staff.

Real Estate Cost:The market offers a full range of housing from starter homes to the golf course and lake developments with homes ranging from $200,000 and up, to the high end custom built homes on estate lots.The area also provides moderately priced multi-family developments.

Crime Rate:The area is known for a low occurrence of crime

Shopping Opportunities:Locally, there is a 500,000 square foot premium outlet mall. Within a 50-mile radius, there are four other major malls. There are also two major grocery stores with over 190,000 square feet.

Attractions: Local attractions include Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge with a spectacular 729-foot waterfall, Burt’s Pumpkin Farm, Uncle Shucks Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, Bradley’s Pumpkin & Christmas Tree Farm, Kangaroo Conservation Center, Bowen Center for the Arts, The Family Fun Center and Dawson 400 Stadium Cinemas. Dawson County offers the best of outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, boating, tennis and golf, canoeing and horseback riding. The county has 2-recreation complex center, which provides a broad range of coordinated indoor and outdoor sports for all ages. Within an hour, enjoy everything from Broadway plays, performances or major symphony orchestras and ballet companies, to major college and professional sports events.