Bill > SB335

This bill provides a homestead tax exemption for residents of the Chattooga County school district, which would allow homeowners to exempt the increase in their property's assessed value from school district ad valorem (property) taxes. Specifically, the exemption will be calculated by subtracting the homestead's base year (previous year) assessed value from its current year assessed value, effectively freezing the taxable value at the previous year's level. Homeowners must apply initially with the Chattooga County tax commissioner, but after the first application, the exemption will be automatically renewed as long as they continue to occupy the home. The exemption applies only to school district educational taxes and does not affect other taxes, and it covers up to five contiguous acres of homestead property. The bill requires a referendum to be held in November 2025, where voters in the Chattooga County school district will decide whether to approve the exemption, and if more than half of the votes cast are in favor, the exemption will take effect on January 1, 2026. The bill also includes provisions ensuring that surviving spouses can continue to receive the exemption and that the exemption does not apply to improvements made to the property after the base year.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71341