The reason? The state homestead tax relief grant that funded an increased homestead exemption for homeowners for the last several years will not be available this year.
Townley says declining state revenues means there is no money for the state to give the tax relief to homeowners. "This will mean a property tax increase of $200 to $300 on the 2009 tax bills for many Georgia homeowners."
The grant appropriated by the Georgia General Assembly and the governor for the last several years to counties, cities and schools had given tax relief to homeowners in the form of a credit on their tax bills. According to legislation passed this year (House Bill 143), the grant will only be made available in the future if state revenues grow at least 3% plus the rate of inflation.
Townley is encouraging homeowners to prepare for the increase now before tax bills are issued later this year.
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"It’s unfortunate in slow economic times to have to deliver this message," Townley said, "but homeowners need to know now so they can plan accordingly..."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/7/221944