Bill > HB632

This bill amends Georgia state law to clarify and update veterans' eligibility for exemption from occupation taxes, administrative fees, and regulatory fees when operating businesses or practicing professions. The bill introduces a standardized definition of "armed conflict" consistent with federal regulations (specifically 38 C.F.R. Section 3.2), which will now be considered equivalent to periods of war for exemption purposes. For disabled war veterans, the bill maintains the requirement of having a physical disability of at least 10 percent and service under honorable conditions. For peacetime veterans, the bill increases the disability threshold from 25 to 30 percent. The bill also streamlines the application process by introducing specific forms: veterans must now file the Department of Veterans Service's VS Form 40-025 to apply for a certificate of eligibility, and the Department will issue a VS Form 40-026, which must be filed with the local county tax office. The certificate of eligibility remains valid for ten years. Additionally, the bill removes the previous requirement for applicants to affirm they do not owe state income taxes, simplifying the application process for veterans seeking these tax and fee exemptions.

Business and Industry

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70809