Georgia House Bill HB1325

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/24

Caption

Ad valorem tax; certain senior citizens who volunteer with local governments; provide homestead exemption

Impact

If enacted, HB1325 will require local governments to adopt specific ordinances or resolutions outlining the details of the homestead exemption. These would include the amount of the exemption, the maximum number of qualifying seniors each year, the hourly credit rate for the volunteer work, and the deadlines for applications. The changes will affect local taxation systems and provide local governing authorities with the flexibility to design the program according to their community's needs.

Summary

House Bill 1325 introduces a state-wide homestead exemption from ad valorem taxes specifically aimed at senior citizens aged 70 and older who participate as volunteers with local governments. This legislation allows each qualifying senior citizen to receive an exemption that local governments can determine, with a maximum cap set at $500 or the total tax owed, whichever is less. The bill seeks to incentivize volunteerism among seniors while alleviating their tax burdens, thus supporting the aged population's economic hardships.

Contention

Debate surrounding this bill may originate from the balance of tax relief for seniors versus the potential financial implications for local governments that rely on ad valorem taxes for funding services. Concerns exist that this exemption could result in decreased revenue for essential local services if a significant number of seniors claim the exemption. Furthermore, the requirement for local approval could lead to discrepancies in how different localities implement and manage the program, potentially leading to inequitable treatment among senior citizens across the state.