HB581
Summary of HB 581
HB 581 was originally intended to create a floating homestead exemption that would prevent property taxes from increasing as home values rise, ensuring tax increases would only happen through transparent millage rate votes. Unfortunately, the bill was altered to include provisions that benefit special interests while potentially harming taxpayers. While the original intent was good, the final version contains changes leading to automatic tax increases, higher sales taxes, and less transparency. Cobb County currently has a floating homestead exemption on its general fund that will not change with or without HB581.
What HB 581 Does
1. Automatic Property Tax Increases:
Even if home values decline, property taxes would automatically increase each year according to an inflation index yet to be determined without requiring elected officials to vote on it.
2. Allows Up to an additional 3% Sales Tax Increase:
This could raise Cobb County’s sales tax rate to 9%.
3. Impacts Seniors Through Sales Taxes:
While senior property tax exemptions remain unchanged, if sales taxes are used for schools, seniors would effectively pay school taxes again through those sales taxes.
4. No Cap on Property Taxes:
Elected officials can still vote to increase the millage rate, so there’s no true protection (cap) against tax hikes in HB581.
5. Removes Fair Market Value Caps on Rental Properties:
HB 581 allows income-producing properties to be valued above fair market value, leading to higher taxes for rental property, which increases rents.
6. Less Transparency in Tax Assessments:
Tax assessment notices will no longer include an estimate of the tax owed, leaving taxpayers unaware of increases until it’s too late to appeal or attend public hearings.
7. Opt-Out Option for Local Governments:
Schools, cities, and counties can opt out of HB 581 by holding three public hearings and voting to opt out by March 1, 2025.
8. Stricter Rules for Tax Appeals:
Winning a tax appeal now only provides a two-year freeze on your property’s taxable value. Previously, filing an appeal automatically triggered the freeze.
The Bottom Line
HB 581’s original intent was to protect homeowners and increase tax transparency. However, it has been altered to include provisions that burden taxpayers with automatic increases, higher taxes, and reduced transparency. Lobbyists and added provisions undermined Representative Blackmon’s efforts to craft a fair bill.
We urge local governments to opt out of HB 581 and for the state legislature to rewrite the bill without these harmful additions!
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NOTE: SPECIAL ELECTION FOR COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2 and 4. Early voting starts Feb 1 Primary Feb 11
2024 TAX INCREASE
On Tuesday, July 23, Chair Cupid, Comissioner Richardson, and Comissioner Sheffield Voted to raise your property tax by about 9% over the pleas of the people. Their take is that it's not that much you can afford the additional tax; the county needs your money more than you do!
Send an email NOW to board members now! SEND EMAIL
This isn't a blue or red issue! It's a green issue we all share a stake in!
Georgia law mandates millage tax rate rollbacks when property values surge to prevent tax increases. However, property taxes only rise due to votes by your elected officials. We support reasonable taxes but oppose the wasteful spending of tax resources.
who we are
Join the Citizen Revolution Against Unchecked Tax Hikes!
We're not just complaining; we're empowering you to fight back. As a collective of citizen advocates, our mission is crystal clear: we're here to educate and arm you with the tools to challenge those annual tax increases that seem to be the norm.
Our Mission: Empowerment Over Complaints
Tired of the business-as-usual attitude that balloons budgets and leaves you with a bigger tax bill? We're with you. But we go beyond griping—we're on a mission to make meaningful appeals against property valuation hikes and put a halt to the relentless rise in taxes.
Expose Hidden Tactics
Ever heard that your property tax didn't increase, but the value of your home did? It's time to unravel the smoke and mirrors. Cobb County officials might claim innocence, but we're here to reveal the truth. We're not letting them hide behind misleading statements.
Protecting Affordable Housing and Homeownership
Our revolt isn't just about words; it's about action. We refuse to stand by as runaway spending makes housing less affordable and homeownership more elusive. Together, we're taking a stand against the intentional decisions that drive up your taxes.
Knowledge is Power—Share It!
Join us in spreading knowledge and driving citizen engagement. Let's make informed appeals, challenge the status quo, and push back against the notion that tax hikes are inevitable. Together, we can reclaim control and ensure that our voices are heard.
It's Time to Revolt with Purpose
Are you ready to do more than grumble? Let's revolt together, armed with knowledge, determination, and the power of collective action. We're not just citizens; we're advocates for change.
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What You can Do
Ready to make a difference? Join our peaceful revolt against unabated tax hikes! Stay in the loop and be a part of the change. Learn about numerous proposed tax increases and arm yourself with knowledge.
Concerned about your property's assessed value? Dive into our class on winning valuation appeals. Got questions? We've got answers—ask away!
Curious about your rights? Check out our FAQ on taxpayer Bill of rights and GA law. We're here to empower you!
We're on a mission for fiscal responsibility in Cobb County. Stand with us against unnecessary taxes—because your voice matters. 2024 is the year they listen, and together, we amplify our impact. Courage is contagious—let's spread it!
Join the movement now. We are your neighbors and friends. This effort is 100% driven by citizen volunteers that live here in Cobb county. Your community needs you!
