Georgia Mountain News

State Representative Will Wade has introduced House Bill 1422 and House Bill 1423 to provide homestead exemptions for certain senior citizens in Dawson County from ad valorem taxes used for county and educational purposes. Rep. Wade expressed the importance of supporting seniors on fixed incomes, stating, “Our Dawson seniors are feeling the financial burdens of record-high inflation and the rising costs of everyday necessities.” He urged the Senate to vote favorably for the exemptions after passing the House.

State Senator Steve Gooch praised Rep. Wade's efforts, saying, “Senior citizens on limited incomes deserve property tax relief on their primary residences.” He commended Wade for bringing much-needed tax relief to Dawson County homeowners and pledged to lead the legislation through the Georgia Senate for passage.

House Bill 1422 would grant a $200,000 homestead exemption from Dawson County ad valorem taxes to residents who have owned a homestead in the county for 30 years or more. Meanwhile, House Bill 1423 aims to provide multiple homestead exemptions from Dawson County school district ad valorem taxes for qualifying residents. This includes exemptions for residents between 65 and 74 years old up to $200,000 of assessed value and exemptions for residents aged 75 and older up to $300,000 of assessed value.

The legislation ensures that existing senior exemptions in Dawson County will remain unchanged, with all property owners currently benefiting from senior exemptions grandfathered in.

The proposed homestead exemptions offer relief to seniors facing financial challenges and aim to alleviate the tax burden on those with limited incomes in Dawson County.