Georgia State Senator Blake Tillery has outlined a proposal to eliminate the state’s income tax, arguing that such a move would provide significant relief for working families. Tillery, who chaired the Special Committee on Eliminating Georgia’s Income Tax, said the committee was tasked with finding responsible ways to end the tax rather than debating its merits.
According to Tillery, Georgia’s financial health is strong. The state has lowered income tax rates in recent years, returned money to taxpayers, built up reserves, and continued funding essential services like education and public safety. “That combination only happens because Georgia has lived within its means,” he stated.
The committee’s recommendation would make the first $50,000 of income for individual filers and $100,000 for married couples filing jointly tax-free starting in 2027. “On day one, that eliminates the state income tax entirely for about two-thirds of working Georgians. Everyone else sees a reduction and a clear path to zero,” Tillery said.
He added that eliminating the income tax would be equivalent to giving an average family a raise of just over five percent. “That’s real money that helps cover necessities today and creates a little breathing room tomorrow.”
Tillery addressed concerns from critics who warned that removing the income tax could hurt public services or shift the burden elsewhere. He countered: “We’ve cut taxes, funded education and public safety, paid cash for capital projects, and still built one of the strongest balance sheets in the country. The idea that relief for families requires weaker government simply doesn’t match the facts.” He also emphasized there would be no increases in sales taxes, property taxes, gas taxes or grocery taxes as part of this plan.
Tillery noted competition from other states as another reason for action: “States like Florida, Tennessee and Texas don’t tax income, and they’re growing at a rapid pace. States with high income taxes are losing people and businesses just as quickly.”
The senator argued that simplifying Georgia’s tax system would benefit families by reducing complexity: “They invite carve-outs, exemptions and special treatment. When that happens, working families pick up the tab.”
Summing up his position on timing he said: “This is not a question of if Georgia will eliminate the income tax. It’s a question of when. The committee’s work shows we can start now, protect taxpayers, and do it without gambling with the state’s finances.”
Senator Blake Tillery serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations representing several counties in southeast Georgia.
