Bill > HB1538

This bill establishes a new homestead exemption from Macon-Bibb County ad valorem taxes for county purposes, meaning taxes levied by or for the county, including those for bonded debt. Specifically, residents aged 65 to 74 will receive an exemption of $17,000 on the assessed value of their home, those aged 75 to 84 will receive an exemption of $32,000, and residents 85 and older will receive an exemption for the full assessed value of their home. To receive this exemption, residents must apply with the tax commissioner, providing their age and other necessary information, and the exemption will automatically renew annually as long as they continue to occupy the home as their homestead, though they must notify the county if they become ineligible. This exemption is only for county taxes and does not affect state, school, or municipal taxes, and it replaces any other county homestead exemptions. The bill also outlines that this exemption will apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, but it will only become law if approved by a two-thirds majority vote in both the state Senate and House of Representatives, and subsequently by a majority of Macon-Bibb County voters in a referendum to be held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/74016