Georgia Homeowners Alert: State Lawmakers Want to Slash Your Property Tax Breaks

Why Your Next Tax Bill Could Be Hundreds Higher

Georgia legislators are quietly advancing a controversial plan that could eliminate homestead exemptions in counties across the state. This move - buried in recent committee hearings - would reverse decades of tax relief for primary homeowners.

"This is a direct attack on middle-class families," warns Atlanta homeowner Maria Rodriguez, who estimates her taxes would jump $1,200 annually if her exemption disappears. "They're balancing budgets on our backs."

How We Got Here

• The Current System: Homestead exemptions currently save Georgia homeowners 20-50% on property tax assessments for their primary residence
• The Proposed Change: SB 494 would allow counties to opt out of state-mandated exemptions with a simple commission vote
• The Rationale: Proponents claim it gives local governments "flexibility" amid rising service costs

What This Means for You

An analysis by the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute shows:

1. Average tax increases of $740-$1,500 for homes valued between $200,000-$400,000
2. Disproportionate impact on seniors relying on fixed incomes
3. Potential to accelerate gentrification in urban counties

The Political Battle Lines

Republican leadership argues this is about local control, with House Speaker Jon Burns stating, "Counties know their needs best." But Democratic Rep. Stacey Abrams calls it "a regressive tax shift that protects commercial property owners at homeowners' expense."

Breaking Now News has learned at least 12 counties are already drafting opt-out resolutions should the bill pass.

What You Can Do

With final votes expected before April 15th:

• Contact your state representative (find yours at legis.ga.gov)
• Attend county commission meetings this month
• Review your property's "taxable vs. assessed value" difference

What do you think?

• Should local governments have this taxing authority, or does it violate the spirit of homestead protections?
• Is this really about "local control" or a backdoor tax increase?
• Would you support higher property taxes if it meant better schools/roads?
• Are homestead exemptions unfair to renters and business owners?
• Should seniors get permanent exemptions while working families pay more?