CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — Cherokee County homeowners are being warned about false information circulating on social media and YouTube claiming seniors can use a new IRS form to cap or freeze their property taxes.
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The Cherokee County Tax Assessors Office said the claims are not true and urged residents to verify tax information through official government sources before sharing personal or financial information.
According to the Tax Assessors Office:
- There is no IRS Form 1098-SR. The IRS has not created a form allowing senior homeowners to freeze or cap their property taxes.
- IRS Form 1098 does exist, but it is a Mortgage Interest Statement used by lenders to report mortgage interest. It does not freeze, reduce or cap property taxes.
- There is no federal law or IRS program that caps property taxes for seniors.
- Property taxes are administered at the state and local levels. Any exemptions or assessment freezes available to senior homeowners are based on state and local laws and are not connected to an IRS form.
The office urged residents to be cautious about tax-related information posted online, particularly claims that ask people to provide personal or financial information.
Residents with questions about property tax exemptions or assessments should check with their local tax authorities or other official government sources.
The Tax Assessors Office also encouraged residents to share the warning with friends, family and neighbors to help stop the spread of misinformation.
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