Bill > SB544

This bill proposes to grant a homestead exemption from Butts County ad valorem taxes for county purposes, meaning taxes levied by or for Butts County, including those for bonded debt. Specifically, residents of Butts County who are 62 years of age or older, defined as "senior citizens," would be eligible for an exemption of $70,000 on the assessed value of their homestead, which is their primary residence. To receive this exemption, eligible individuals must apply with the Butts County tax commissioner, providing proof of age and other necessary information, though the exemption will automatically renew annually as long as they continue to occupy the property as their homestead, provided they notify the tax commissioner if they become ineligible. This exemption is intended to be in addition to any other homestead exemptions already in place for county purposes and will not affect state, school, or municipal ad valorem taxes. The bill also outlines that this exemption will only become effective on January 1, 2027, if approved by a two-thirds vote in both houses of the Georgia General Assembly and subsequently by the voters of Butts County in a referendum to be held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026, with specific procedures for conducting the election and determining its outcome.

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73488