ATLANTA (Feb. 2, 2010) – Recently, Sen. Bill Hamrick (R-Carrollton) signed on as a supporter of a major overhaul of the Georgia property tax system. This legislation, proposed by Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), is a result of vital information and input collected from property owners, assessors and local governments.
“Property values have drastically fallen while tax assessments have remained high.” said Hamrick. “This is a clear indicator that the system is broken. I have co-sponsored this legislation because the people of Georgia deserve a fair and efficient system.”
Changes to the assessment and appeals system include year-round assessment appeals, all comparable sales including foreclosures and banks sales must be applied, and the “view factor” will be eliminated as a way to determine value. The proposed changes to assessments and appeals relieve burdens from property owners, but also achieve efficiency for the process and for county governments.
Property Tax Assessment & Appeals Reform Highlights
- Year-round property assessment appeals
- Every property shall receive notice of assessment every year
- Statewide uniformity of assessment notice & appeal forms
- Sales price of “Arms-Length” transactions shall be maximum assessed value for following tax period
- Tax assessor shall apply all comparable sales including foreclosures and bank sales
- Allow counties to accept payment plans for property taxes
- Allow for Commercial Appraisers to substitute for Board of Equalization on Commercial properties
- Establish time limits for assessor action in response to appeals
- Department of Revenue shall update assessor guidelines and training no less than once every five years and all info shall be placed online
- View Factor shall not be used to determine value
- Unanimous vote by Board of Equalization members required to increase assessed value
- Current Use and not “Highest and Best” value shall be used to determine current assessed value
Sen. Bill Hamrick serves as Chairman of the Banking and Financial Institutions Committee. He represents the 30th Senate District which includes portions of Carroll, Douglas, and Paulding counties. He may be reached at 404.656.0036 or via e-mail at bill.hamrick@senate.ga.gov
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 2, 2010
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028