If you listen to the evening news, I'm sure you've heard about possible property tax increases in several Georgia counties as well as the City of Atlanta. I was visiting the Dekalb County Tax Commissioner's website today and the following information was posted...
Dekalb County Tax Commissioner Claudia G. Lawson says "homeowners should brace themselves for additional property taxes this year and the next. 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."
"Declining state revenues during the current recession means there is no money for the State to give the tax relief to homeowners" said Lawson. "This will mean a property tax increase up to $300 on the 2009 tax bills for many homeowners statewide." The grant appropriated by the 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. "It's unfortunate in slow economic times to have to deliver this message" says Lawson.
It is also important for taxpayers to realize that the first installment due date has been extended to August 31st . This deadline extension only applies to tax year 2009. Taxpayers should receive the 2009 bill by July 20th.
** If you are a resident of Dekalb County and/or the City of Atlanta, I would love to hear if /how your property taxes changed this year. I just received my bill last week and it was about a 3% increase. Definitely not earth-shattering, but a little hard to swallow. :-)
Thank you for visiting our Atlanta Real Estate Blog!
Posted By: Kerry Lucasse - Atlanta GA Real Estate Agent - Atlanta Home Search Team
The ATL Home Search Team is part of Keller Williams Realty,
specializing in Intown Atlanta Real Estate and Historic Homes
Call us today @ (404) 432 - 1844
;)
;)
