Homestead Exemption Increase Announcement

The Georgia State Legislature passed, and Governor Brian Kemp signed into law, an update to Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 44-13-100 "Exemptions for purposes of bankruptcy and intestate insolvent estates." The amendment to OCGA § 44-13-100(a)(1), which becomes effective July 1, 2026, increases individual exemptions from $21,500 to $50,000 and married filing jointly exemptions from $43,000 to $100,000. The provision applies to a debtor's primary residence. Starting July 1, 2031, the exemption amounts will be updated annually based on inflation. You can find a copy of the updated statute here.