Know before you Vote – Georgia Voters to Decide on Three Ballot Questions About Taxes

During this year’s election, voters will face three important ballot questions related to taxes. These measures aim to limit increases in property assessments, expand personal property tax exemptions, and establish a state tax court.

The proposed amendments to the Georgia Constitution and a statewide referendum will be on the ballot alongside races for president, Congress, and the General Assembly.

Ballot Measures:

1. Property Assessment Cap: The first measure seeks to slow property tax increases that occur with rising home values. If approved, it would cap home property assessments at the inflation rate of the previous year, thus limiting property tax increases. This measure also allows local governments to use revenue from a 1% sales tax increase to offset property taxes. Some counties and cities already implement similar taxes.
2. Creation of a State Tax Court: The second proposed constitutional amendment aims to establish a state tax court to handle cases involving the state Department of Revenue. The Georgia Tax Court would replace the Georgia Tax Tribunal and be integrated into the judiciary branch. The court would have a chief judge appointed by the governor, who would also appoint up to three assistant judges.
3. Increased Personal Property Tax Exemption: The third ballot question proposes increasing the tax exemption for personal property—such as business inventory and farm machinery—from $7,500 to $20,000. This referendum does not apply to motor vehicles, trailers, or mobile homes.

All three measures received approval from both the state House and Senate, with each chamber passing the necessary legislation—House Bills 581, 808, and 1267—to implement these changes if voters approve them.

Georgia Ballot Questions:

• Constitutional Amendment 1: “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for a state-wide homestead exemption that limits increases in the assessed value of homesteads, with any county, consolidated government, municipality, or local school system able to opt out upon completing certain procedures?”
• Constitutional Amendment 2: “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to establish the Georgia Tax Court as a judicial body with powers and jurisdiction concurrent with superior courts?”
• Statewide Referendum: “Do you approve the Act that increases the exemption from property tax for all tangible personal property from $7,500 to $20,000?”