Forsyth County Launches SmartFile for Online Homestead, 65+ School Tax Exemptions

Residents in Forsyth County can now file homestead and age-65-plus school tax exemption applications online using the county’s new SmartFile Tax Exemption Application tool. The county rolled out the portal on January 21, 2026, aiming to make exemption filing more convenient while preserving in-person service at the Board of Assessors office.

Forsyth County’s Chief Appraiser described the new online option as a convenience for homeowners and noted that residents may still file applications in person at the Board of Assessors. The county’s public page for the program lays out eligibility and deadlines: applicants must be owner-occupants as of Jan. 1 of the tax year to qualify, and applications must be filed by April 1 to receive the exemption for that tax year. The page also details the documentation required and includes links to the SmartFile portal and to additional Board of Assessors resources. Contact information is provided for residents who need help completing applications.

For many homeowners the change reduces a trip to the courthouse and shortens turnaround for routine exemption processing. Seniors who qualify for the age-65-plus school tax exemption will be able to submit applications from home or with assistance over the phone, which could be particularly valuable for residents with mobility or transportation challenges. The county’s retention of in-person filing preserves an option for residents who prefer face-to-face help or who need to present original documents.

The SmartFile rollout matters to taxpayers and local government operations alike. For taxpayers, timely filing determines whether the exemption applies to the current tax year, making the April 1 deadline a practical deadline for households preparing annual budgets. For the Board of Assessors, an online intake system can streamline staff workflows and reduce in-office traffic, which may change how the office schedules appointments and allocates staff across the year.

Practical steps for residents: confirm owner-occupancy as of Jan. 1, assemble the documentation listed on the county page, and submit applications through SmartFile before April 1 to secure exemptions for the tax year. Those who prefer in-person service can still visit the Board of Assessors office to file.

The new SmartFile option modernizes a routine but consequential part of property tax administration in Forsyth County. Residents should review eligibility and documentation now so they can take advantage of the online filing window or plan an in-person visit before the April 1 cutoff.