Bill > SB83

This bill provides a special homestead tax exemption for residents of the Bartow County school district, designed to limit increases in property tax assessments. Specifically, homeowners would receive an exemption equal to the difference between their current year home assessment and their "adjusted base year assessed value," which is calculated by considering previous assessments, inflation rates, and substantial property changes. The exemption would apply only to Bartow County school district ad valorem (property) taxes for educational purposes, starting January 1, 2026, and lasting for five years. Homeowners must apply for the exemption initially, though those who already have a homestead exemption in 2025 will be automatically enrolled. The bill requires a referendum vote in November 2025, where Bartow County voters will decide whether to approve the tax exemption. The exemption is limited to homeowners with up to five contiguous acres and will not apply to other types of property taxes. The Bartow County tax commissioner will be responsible for determining the annual inflation rate and managing the exemption process. If approved by voters, the exemption would provide financial relief to homeowners by effectively capping the taxable value of their property based on its base year assessment plus an inflation adjustment.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69824