Georgia Tax Bill Adjusts Local Sales Tax Limits and Property Tax Relief Measures

The Joint Called Meeting held on July 29, 2025, in Henry County, Georgia, focused on significant updates regarding property tax assessments and local sales tax regulations. The meeting addressed the implications of property sales and substantial changes on tax assessments, emphasizing the role of homestead exemptions in stabilizing property tax increases.

The discussion began with an explanation of how property tax values are reset upon the sale of a property or when substantial modifications are made. The tax assessor is responsible for reassessing the property's value based on the sale price or the extent of the changes. This reassessment is particularly relevant for homestead-exempt properties, which benefit from additional exemptions that help mitigate tax increases.

A key point raised was the comparison between two options available to homeowners: the "freeze" and the "float." The freeze option locks the assessment value at a base year, preventing increases in taxable value, while the float allows values to rise with inflation. The consensus among officials was that the freeze is often the more advantageous choice for residents, although the tax assessor and tax commissioner will evaluate each case individually.

The meeting also covered recent legislative changes affecting local sales tax. A new bill will raise the limit for local sales tax from 8% to 9% starting in January 2025. This change introduces several categories for tax allocation, including a 6% limit for local taxes, with additional provisions for state and educational taxes. The bill outlines specific conditions under which counties can implement various sales taxes, such as the Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) and transportation sales taxes.

Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the introduction of a new tax, referred to as FLOST, which can be levied for property tax relief. This tax is strictly designated for alleviating property tax burdens and cannot be used for other purposes.

In conclusion, the meeting provided crucial insights into property tax assessment processes and upcoming changes to local sales tax regulations. These discussions are expected to have a significant impact on residents and local government funding, with further evaluations and implementations planned in the coming months.