ATLANTA (January 17, 2013) – Sen. Josh McKoon (R- Columbus) today introduced Senate Resolution 8, a proposal that would create a constitutional amendment to phase out the Georgia State Income Tax.
“Many economists agree that one of the most effective ways to promote job creation is to systematically eliminate the state income tax,” said Sen. Josh McKoon. “The adoption of this amendment is critical to enhancing Georgia’s competitiveness and will help our hardworking families take home more of their pay.”
The Georgia income tax rate is 6 percent. Several states do not have an income tax including Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming, Washington, New Hampshire, Nevada and Alaska. Other states have the abolition of their state income tax under consideration, including North Carolina, Louisiana and Nebraska.
If approved by Georgia voters, Senate Resolution 8 would phase out the income tax completely by the year 2027. This process would be gradual, reducing the tax rate by .5 percent every year until the income tax is eliminated.
The sponsors of Senate Resolution 8 include Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), Sen. Butch Miller (R- Gainesville), Sen. Steve Gooch (R- Dahlonega), Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta), Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R-Rome), Sen. Mike Dugan (R – Carrollton ), Sen. Brandon Beach (R -Alpharetta), Sen. Hunter Hill (R-Smyrna) and Sen. Barry Loudermilk (R- Cassville).
Amendments to the Georgia Constitution may be introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. An amendment must be approved by a 2/3 majority of each legislative chamber in order for it to be placed on the ballot for voter approval.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 17, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028