Bill > HB842

This bill increases the homestead tax exemption for Whitfield County residents who are 70 years of age or older, raising the exemption amount from $250,000 to $325,000 of the appraised home value. The bill requires a referendum to be held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November 2025, where voters will decide whether to approve this tax exemption increase. If more than half of the votes cast are in favor, the new exemption amount will take effect on January 1, 2026. The bill mandates that the election superintendent of Whitfield County must conduct the election and publish notice of the vote, with specific language to be used on the ballot. If the election is not properly conducted or the measure is not approved, the act will be automatically repealed. The bill also requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives to become law, ensuring broad legislative support for the local tax exemption change. This type of targeted tax relief is designed to help senior homeowners by reducing their property tax burden in Whitfield County.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71644