Peach Tree Times

Today, the Georgia House of Representatives approved several legislative measures aimed at providing financial relief to taxpayers in the state. The measures include provisions for property tax relief, motor fuel tax relief, and tax relief related to hurricane recovery efforts.

Speaker of the House Jon Burns stated, "The members of the Georgia House have consistently championed measures that keep taxpayer dollars where they belong—in the pockets of hardworking Georgians." He added that the steps taken today are part of their commitment to provide critical tax relief to families, farmers, and citizens across Georgia.

House Resolution 42 (HR 42), sponsored by State Representative Matthew Gambill, seeks to ratify executive orders issued by Governor Brian Kemp between September 24 and October 16, 2024. These orders were related to suspending the collection of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes.

House Bill 92 (HB 92), introduced by State Representative Shaw Blackmon, proposes extending the deadline for local governments to participate in the base year homestead tax exemption until March 31, 2025. This measure aims to protect homeowners from excessive property tax increases. The exemption was passed on ballots in all 159 counties throughout Georgia last November. HB 92 also provides local governments with additional time to reconsider opting out of this local tax relief.

House Bill 223 (HB 223), put forward by State Representative James Burchett, would exclude federal disaster relief payments, assistance grants, and crop insurance related to Hurricane Helene recovery from taxable net income for tax years spanning from 2024 through 2029. Additionally, it offers a tax credit for timber losses and a sales tax exemption for building materials used in repairing or replacing greenhouses or structures utilized for animal production.

For more information on these legislative measures, visit https://www.legis.ga.gov/.