Filing dates for homestead exemptions, specialized and preferential assessment programs and real property returns are due April 1.
Employees at the tax assessors office on the courthouse square are looking forward to working with citizens in the new year including l-r Melissa Connell, Christy Cook, Lisa Weeks and Cindy Foster.
If you’ve ever looked at your property tax bill, the homestead exemption reduces the gross assessed value of your home by a set dollar amount, resulting in the net assessed value, which is then multiplied by the local millage rate to come up with your property taxes.
Now to answer the initial question, the homestead exemption has not been eliminated.
However, there is another credit to your property taxes that the state of Georgia has provided, called the Homeowner’s Tax Relief Grant. This credit was actually funded by the state of Georgia and due to declining state revenues, the state is not funding this credit.
So while the homestead exemption has not been eliminated, your property tax bill is increased an estimated $200-$300 depending on property values.
According to legislation passed this year, the grant will only be made available if state revenues grow at least three percent plus the rate of inflation.
The illustrious former Gov. Sonny Purdue did away with the homestead exemption funding and did just what Obama Didn't do with the Bush Tax cuts.
Sonny didn't help us out and Obama did sign the Bush Tax cuts
What sonny did was the equivalent of the largest tax increase in Georgia history and no one realizes it....WOW!
It amazes me on how a county that is supposed to be conservative can let that slide.
All I can say if you don't like that really get ready for the Real Deal Ride.