Some Woodstock residents are receiving refund checks from the city.
These residential property taxpayers received an applicable Homestead Freeze Exemption during property tax years 2018, 2019 and 2020.
During a recent implementation of new property tax software, it was discovered that the amount for Homestead Freeze Exemption had been applied incorrectly to the tax digest during those three property tax years, according to a city statement, amounting to $837,209.
Woodstock CFO Ron Shelby said 9,632 property taxpayers will receive a check automatically and 1,436 property taxpayers, who have moved, will need to contact the City of Woodstock Finance Department to request a refund.
The average refund check amount is $86.92; check amounts range from $0.02 to $1,100.05.
Eighty-nine checks are under $0.58 (the cost of a postage stamp).
According to Shelby, the cost to mail those payments is $51.62, “but it is important to process each payment and ensure financial transparency through this process.”
This change does not impact the most recent property tax year 2021.
Those who are still on record as owning the property in property tax year 2021 will receive checks automatically.
If a refund is due, taxpayers, who have moved, will need to go to the City of Woodstock’s Finance Department web page at www.woodstockga.gov/finance and download a refund request form at the Homestead Freeze Exemption Tax Refund link.
Once completed, the request - including all applicable support regarding ownership - should be emailed to TaxProject@woodstockga.gov or mailed to Woodstock Finance Department, Attn: Tax Refund Project, 12453 Highway 92, Woodstock, GA 30188.
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