tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44288362034124755242024-02-21T01:54:01.585-05:00Decatur Tax BlogAs a service from City Hall to Decatur’s taxpayers, Decatur Tax Blog provides fresh, non-partisan content about national & local tax and housing developments, timely reminders about tax deadlines for residents, special announcements, and educational posts about your tax bill.Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.comBlogger425125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-8210019976205368052017-05-16T12:08:00.001-04:002017-05-16T12:08:15.573-04:00Tax blog update<br />
Due to time constraints, new posts to this blog are on hold at this time. Please use the following resources for local
tax information:<br />
<br />
General tax information:
<a href="http://www.decaturga.com/taxes">www.decaturga.com/taxes</a><br />
<br />
Online tax records and payments:
<a href="http://www.decaturgatax.com/">www.decaturgatax.com</a><br />
<br />
Main city blog for news and updates:
<a href="http://thedecaturminute.com/">thedecaturminute.com</a><br />
<br />
Property owners and businesses can also contact the Revenue office directly at 678-553-6743.<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030, USA33.7737215 -84.29619933.773309 -84.2968295 33.774134000000004 -84.2955685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-30134511931251893032017-03-16T08:00:00.000-04:002017-03-16T08:00:09.046-04:00County delegates authority to to waive penalties and interest<br />
The Catoosa County board of commissioners has delegated the authority to waive penalties and interest for unpaid property taxes to the Catoosa County tax commissioner. Previously each decision to approve waivers were coming before the county board. Now the tax commissioner will be able to make these approvals on his own. From the <a href="http://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/catwalkchatt/news/catoosa-county-gives-tax-commissioner-power-to-waive-property-tax/article_b66ff682-d836-11e6-8f80-df150e03f3ee.html" target="_blank">Rome News Tribune</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
...Tax Commissioner Gary Autry had adjustments made to how his office will handle penalties and interest fees on property taxes.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
County Attorney Skip Patty proposed a resolution giving Autry the power to waive those charges for individuals if he sees fit.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"This would give the tax commissioner the ability to waive only the penalties and interest if the party's failure to pay was not due to willful neglect," Patty said.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In other words, Autry can decided on a case-by-case basis to waive those extra fees if a person accrued the extra debt due to some sort of hardship.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Patty said other counties like nearby Whitfield have this practice, but that long-time tax commissioner Sandra Self didn't want that responsibility, and left those decisions up to the Board of Commissioners.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"This resolution would prevent the board from having to handle each individual case," Patty said. "The tax commissioner would need to make a notation on each case and that would then become public record."
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The board unanimously approved the resolution.
</blockquote>
<br />
In Decatur, the authority to waive penalties and interest rests with the city manager or her designee. Some late payers expect front-line staff to be able to waive their late fees; however, there needs to be some checks and balances in the system. Auditors usually don't like for employees who charge the fees to be the same ones who authorize a waiver of fees.<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-16794916536362499722017-03-15T08:00:00.000-04:002017-03-15T08:00:15.556-04:00Influential Georgian touts usefulness of tax incentives<br />
The head of Savannah's development authority was recently named one of the one hundred most influential Georgians in Georgia Trend magazine. Trip Tollison has presided over the creation of an I-16 corridor development authority, the purchase of a massive business park in Chatham County, and the return of 14 unproductive parcels to the local tax digest. He <a href="http://businessinsavannah.com/bis/2017-01-16/savannahians-among-georgia-trend-s-most-influential" target="_blank">says</a> that programs to defer taxes help get businesses off the ground:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Think about it--10 years ago, these 14 properties collectively were paying less than $225,000 annually in property taxes. So we take 10 years, help the companies get established and grow without the burden of property taxes. Today, those companies are back on the tax digest, where their collective tax bill is now nearly $3 million on an annual basis.</blockquote>
Tax incentives have been controversial in Georgia in recent years. Some school systems have said that they are not always consulted about how development authority tax agreements can affect school revenues.<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-27480946582341076372017-03-14T08:00:00.000-04:002017-03-14T08:00:25.003-04:00Decatur tax exemption deadline approaches<br />
If you are a homeowner in Decatur and your home here is your principal residence, you are eligible to apply for the basic homestead exemption from property taxes. Applications for the basic homestead can be made online <a href="https://www.decaturga.com/city-government/city-departments/administrative-services/taxes-and-fees/homestead-exemption-form" target="_blank">here</a>. If you have already applied in a previous year, you do not need to reapply. The exemption remains on your home for as long as you continue residing in the property with no changes in ownership.<br />
<br />
Exemptions based on age or income can be applied for in-person at City Hall. Please keep in mind that homeowners who are over the age of 65 already have an age-65 exemption known as the GH-2.Taxpayers with the GH-2 on their accounts will automatically receive the new S-4 school exemption, which exempts homeowners over the age of 65 from school taxes. Information about this and other age-based exemptions can be found at <a href="http://www.decaturga.com/homestead">www.decaturga.com/homestead</a> or by calling us the City at 404-370-4100.<br />
<br />
Although the City will honor homestead exemption applications submitted up until April 1, please submit your applications by 5:00 p.m. on March 15 in order for your exemption to appear on your 1st installment property tax bill.<br />
<br />
Please note that applications made to Decatur and DeKalb are handled separately: if you've only applied with one office, you should check with the other office about your exemption status.<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-38364260340819424582017-03-13T08:00:00.000-04:002017-03-13T08:00:12.280-04:00Decatur CoWorks to host business income tax seminar<br />
A senior tax adviser will present income tax strategies for business owners during a lunch & learn at Decatur CoWorks this Thursday, March 16.
Decatur CoWorks <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-tax-strategies-and-financial-update-tickets-31171252054" target="_blank">says</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
During this 1 hour presentation Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners will learn:<br />
<ul>
<li>How to lower your self-employment taxes – advantages and risks of an S-corp </li>
<li>The best retirement saving plans </li>
<li>How economic changes may affect you</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
Chad Swanson, CPA with Burge & Associates will be one of the speakers. Registration for the seminar is $15 which includes a box lunch. This sounds like a great opportunity for local businesses, independent contractors, and administrative staff.<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-44078223243086972192017-01-04T08:54:00.000-05:002017-01-04T08:54:23.315-05:00Grace period expiring for tax payments<br />
Property tax payments in Decatur were due on December 20, 2016. A grace period was granted during which no penalties or interest were charged.
That grace period will expire this Friday, January 6. Interest will be added to unpaid amounts after that date.
<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030, USA33.7737214 -84.29619933.773308899999996 -84.2968295 33.7741339 -84.2955685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-78595564059814106412017-01-03T10:30:00.001-05:002017-01-03T10:30:27.254-05:00What January 1 means for local taxes<br />
January 1 is a significant date for property taxes and business licenses. Here are a few things that homeowners and business owners should keep in mind for the new year.<br />
<br />
<b>Property owners </b><br />
<br />
<i>Assessments</i>. Property assessments for 2017 conducted by DeKalb County will be based on the status of the property as of January 1. For example, new developments and improvements made prior to January 1 will be factored into 2017 assessments by DeKalb, but improvements made after January 1 would not. If something about your property has changed since last year, such as a demolition, you should file a return with the DeKalb County assessors office between now and April 1 to ensure that the assessors have current information.<br />
<br />
<i>Homestead exemptions</i>. Qualifying for age-based homestead exemptions for your property taxes depends on the age of the homeowner as of January 1. If you turned 62, 65, 70, or 80 prior to January 1, you may have become eligible for one or more homestead exemptions offered by Decatur. Homestead exemptions can be applied for with the city between now and March 15, 2017, to ensure that any new exemptions on your account appear on your 1st installment tax bill which will be mailed out by April 1. Call 404-370-4100 for details. You should also check with DeKalb to determine whether you have become eligible for any additional exemptions with their office.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<i>Billing</i>. Property owners should note what tax officials mean by “the first-of-the-year owner,” or the “January 1 owner.” DeKalb County records the owner as of January 1 and the current owner if ownership changes later in the year. Many times, we are questioned about why a bill or a delinquent notice was sent to the January 1 owner rather than the current owner. Generally speaking, Decatur attempts to notify the current owner of bills that are owed. But there can be delays in reflecting current ownership information, and the January 1 owner may be considered to be responsible for the taxes that year depending on the terms at closing, or at least is responsible for notifying the current owner of any bills that the January 1 owner received for the property.
<br />
<br />
<b>Business owners</b><br />
<br />
Although business license payments for 2017 can be made until January 31, please note that 2016 business license certificates in Decatur have expired. Call the Decatur business license office at 678-553-6743 for renewal options.<br />
<br />
If your business has more than 10 employees as of January 1, you will need to let the Decatur business license office know your E-Verify number if you haven't already done so. State law says that the E-Verify requirement is based on the number of employees a business had as of January 1.<br />
<br />
If you owned a business that closed in 2016 or moved out of Decatur or DeKalb, you should notify the DeKalb County assessors office at 404-371-0841 to ensure that you do not receive a business inventory tax assessment notice and tax bills from DeKalb and Decatur in 2017. If your business is open for the beginning of 2017 you will receive an assessment and tax bill for 2017 even if your business closes or moves later this year.<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030, USA33.7737214 -84.29619933.773308899999996 -84.2968295 33.7741339 -84.2955685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-37353189511692048602016-12-30T12:58:00.001-05:002016-12-30T12:58:51.672-05:00Tax office closed Monday<br />
City Hall including the Revenue Division will be closed on Monday, January 2 in observance of the new year. City departments will reopen on Tuesday, January 3. For information or payments over the holiday weekend, tax and business license accounts can be accessed online at <a href="http://www.decaturgatax.com/">www.decaturgatax.com</a>.<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030, USA33.7737214 -84.29619933.773308899999996 -84.2968295 33.7741339 -84.2955685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-9548779956235350532016-12-29T07:55:00.001-05:002016-12-29T07:55:59.728-05:00Lawyer taxes due Friday<br />
Occupation taxes for attorneys in Decatur are due on or before Friday, December 30. Each lawyer is responsible for paying $425 annually. The tax can be paid online by visiting <a href="http://www.decaturgatax.com/">www.decaturgatax.com</a>, clicking on “Occupation Tax” on the upper left, selecting 2016 as the year, and entering your name as it appears on your bill.<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030, USA33.7737214 -84.29619933.773308899999996 -84.2968295 33.7741339 -84.2955685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-84805410858697254022016-12-28T11:59:00.000-05:002016-12-28T11:59:51.230-05:00State announces delay in tax refunds next year<div class="tr_bq">
<br /></div>
<div class="tr_bq">
Refunds for Georgia income tax returns in 2017 could take up to three months to be issued. The Department of Revenue steps they take to verify taxpayer identity take longer and could delay the refunds. From the <a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/georgia-warns-2017-state-tax-refunds-could-delayed/iKawEiBvGwG73SiW9OcyeJ/" target="_blank">AJC</a>:</div>
<blockquote>
<b>Georgia warns 2017 state tax refunds could be delayed
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kristina Torres | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday, Dec. 2, 2016</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Georgia tax officials said Friday that some 2017 refunds may be delayed due to fraud prevention efforts, a warning that comes after complaints this year that it took longer than usual to process income tax returns. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Starting next year, all first-time Georgia income tax filers or taxpayers who have not filed here for at least five years will only be able to receive refunds in the form of a paper check and not by electronic transfer.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The state won’t begin processing individual returns until Feb. 1, with officials saying it could take more than 90 days to issue a refund if one is due...
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The agency is encouraging taxpayers to register online with the department’s tax center website to monitor the status of their returns. Registered users can also get fraud alerts to notify them when a return has been filed with their Social Security number.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
To sign up, go to gtc.dor.ga.gov.</blockquote>
Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-3132823578401869542016-12-22T09:23:00.001-05:002016-12-22T09:23:43.039-05:00Tax office to close Friday and Monday<br />
City Hall, including the property tax office, will be closed from December 23 through December 26 for Christmas. We will re-open Tuesday, December 27 at 8:00 a.m. Tax and business license information is available anytime at <a href="http://www.decaturgatax.com/">www.decaturgatax.com</a>.<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030, USA33.7737214 -84.29619933.773308899999996 -84.2968295 33.7741339 -84.2955685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-88996809755639362952016-12-21T07:52:00.001-05:002016-12-21T07:52:39.948-05:00Grace period offered for tax payments<br />
Although property tax payments in Decatur for the second installment of 2016 were due yesterday, there is a grace period until Friday, January 6, 2017. No penalties or interest will be added to accounts that are paid within the grace period. Please mail payments to:<br />
<br />
City of Decatur Lockbox<br />
P.O. Box 945650<br />
Atlanta, GA 30394-5650<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-10265032135666977422016-12-20T16:47:00.001-05:002016-12-20T16:47:36.530-05:00Lowndes County to begin appointing assessors<br />
In most of Georgia, property tax assessors are appointed to their positions. In Lowndes County, this has been an elected position. That will change now that voters have approved the appointment of assessors going forward. The stated reason for the change is that elected assessors don't always have the training and expertise to carry out their duties. From the <a href="http://www.daltondailycitizen.com/news/ga_fl_news/assessor-referendum-passes/article_8079ddfe-e3eb-5901-aacb-86ee27fc393f.html" target="_blank">Dalton Citizen</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h3>
Assessor referendum passes</h3>
By John Stephen
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
VALDOSTA, Ga. — The Lowndes County special ballot asking if tax assessors should be appointed narrowly passed 50.27 to 49.73 percent, according to the county’s board of elections.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Results show 18,293 people voted for tax assessors to be appointed by county commissioners, and 18,095 people voted for tax assessors to continue being elected by the public — a difference of only 198 votes.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
While all votes from local precincts were counted after Election Day on Nov. 8, up to 2,000 provisional, absentee and military ballots still needed to be counted. Until those remaining votes were tallied at the elections office on Tuesday, Nov. 15, the race was too close to call.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Currently, Lowndes County tax assessors are elected by the public. In every other county in Georgia, tax assessors are appointed by the county commissioners.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The ballot asked if the state should repeal the constitutional amendment that mandates Lowndes County tax assessors be elected. Now that the repeal has passed, tax assessors will be appointed by the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners starting in 2021.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The county commissioners pioneered the ballot question after discussing the change for several years. Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Slaughter said while the current tax assessors have good intentions, he questioned whether they have the managerial skills necessary to oversee the large tax assessor’s office...</blockquote>
Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-71290163517589009322016-12-19T09:37:00.000-05:002016-12-19T09:37:22.656-05:00Tax payments due Tuesday<br />
Property tax payments in Decatur for the second installment of 2016 are due on or before Tuesday, December 20. The City accepts payments without charging interest as long as the payment envelope is postmarked by the due date. Please mail payments to:<br />
<br />
City of Decatur Lockbox<br />
P.O. Box 945650<br />
Atlanta, GA 30394-5650
<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-41970607481840056782016-12-16T16:04:00.000-05:002016-12-16T16:04:17.623-05:00Columbus voters keep property taxes frozen<br />
One of the bigger property tax-related proposals on the ballot in Georgia this year was a repeal of the property assessment freeze in Columbus. Opponents of the freeze, including the <a href="http://decaturtax.blogspot.com/2015/10/muscogee-school-board-supports-ending.html" target="_blank">Muscogee County school board</a> and <a href="http://decaturtax.blogspot.com/2016/03/columbus-mayor-says-property-tax-freeze.html" target="_blank">Columbus mayor Teresa Tomlinson</a>, said that the freeze suppresses economic activity by discouraging home improvements and property sales. However, in the end, people weren't sold by the argument and chose to keep the freeze. Sixty percent of residents voted against a "thaw."
<br />
<br />
This is the third time that a repeal of the Columbus freeze has been defeated. It goes to show that a permanent freeze is difficult to tweak even if there are valid reasons to alter it. It also probably helps explain why DeKalb County's property tax freezes sunset every few years instead of being permanent. From the Columbus <a href="http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/election/article113464158.html" target="_blank">Ledger-Enquirer</a>:
<br />
<blockquote>
...If the referendum had passed, it would have kept the freeze in place for all who are currently under it, but would have put any homestead property bought after Jan. 1, 2017, under a more traditional fair market value system, where property is regularly reassessed. Those properties under the freeze would have remained so until they changed hands, whether by sale or probate. They would have then go into the fair market value system. Eventually, all frozen property would have changed hands and no property would have remained under the freeze.
<br />
<br />
The property tax assessment freeze was voted into effect in 1982. It freezes the assessed value of a homestead property at the value at the time of the sale and keeps it there until the property changes hands. It is then reassessed at the current value and again frozen at that value.
<br />
<br />
It has been challenged before, both at the polls and in the courts, and the challenges failed both times.
<br />
<br />
Voters initially approved the freeze by a 73-27 percent margin in 1982. A 1991 attempt to repeal the freeze by referendum failed by an 81-19 percent margin.
<br />
<br />
In the early 2000s, a group challenged the freeze’s constitutionality and won a favorable ruling at the Superior Court level. But the state and then federal supreme courts ruled it constitutional...</blockquote>
Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-8051557997811278482016-12-13T15:44:00.002-05:002016-12-13T15:44:43.164-05:00If paying by e-check, please remit today or tomorrow<br />
If you are planning to pay your second installment Decatur property tax bill with an electronic check on our website at <a href="http://www.decaturgatax.com/">www.decaturgatax.com</a>, I encourage you to make your payment no later than Wednesday, December 14. Like paper checks, e-checks can take three to five business days to clear the bank. It's not an immediate debit. Our formal payment deadline this installment is December 20, 2016.<br />
<br />
Our website allows for e-check payments with no convenience fee charged, and credit card payments with convenience fees. We also continue to accept payments by mail or in-person up through the payment due date. If you have any issues with the website or the e-check option, please call the Revenue office at 404-370-4100 or 678-553-6743. <br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030, USA33.7737215 -84.29619933.773309 -84.2968295 33.774134000000004 -84.2955685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-27791627681910494772016-12-08T16:59:00.000-05:002016-12-08T16:59:31.072-05:00Qualified homeowners to receive new exemptions<br />
As noted <a href="http://decaturtax.blogspot.com/2016/11/voters-expand-homestead-exemptions-in.html" target="_blank">below</a>, most seniors will be granted the new age-65 homestead exemption from school taxes automatically.<br />
<br />
The new school exemption, which is called the S-4, will be factored onto the accounts of any homeowner with the already existing age-65 exemption known as the GH-2. No separate application is needed.<br />
<br />
However, qualified homeowners who have never applied for the GH2, such as people who turned 65 during 2016, should visit City Hall at 509 North McDonough Street to apply between Jan. 3-Mar. 15, 2017. You will need to bring photo ID showing age and address.<br />
<br />
Homeowners over the age of 62 with income under $50,000 may also qualify for another new homestead exemption approved in November, which is the GH-3. If the homeowner’s Georgia taxable net income plus the income of his or her spouse and the income of any resident family member totals less than $50,000, then the homeowner is eligible to apply for this new GH-3 exemption. This exemption will reduce the taxable value of a home by $15,000 for a projected annual savings of approximately $160 (computed using current millage rates which are subject to change). To apply for the GH-3, please come to City Hall between Jan. 3-Mar. 15 with a copy of your most recent available tax return and photo ID showing age and address.<br />
<br />
Two other ballot questions that were approved do not create new exemptions, but expand existing exemptions. Homeowners do not need to re-apply to receive the full benefit. The increased exemption amounts will be granted automatically.<br />
<br />
Homeowners who turned 62, 65, 70, or 80 during 2016 are encouraged to call the Decatur Revenue Division at 678-553-6743 to determine if they have become qualified for an exemption for which they were not previously eligible. To qualify for any age-based exemption, the claimant must be the age specified before January 1 of the tax year for which the exemption is sought.<br />
<br />
Further information on Decatur’s other homestead exemption and tax relief programs can be found at <a href="http://www.decaturga.com/homestead">www.decaturga.com/homestead</a>.
<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030, USA33.7737215 -84.29619933.773309 -84.2968295 33.774134000000004 -84.2955685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-3199820099269438482016-11-09T08:24:00.000-05:002016-11-09T08:24:02.679-05:00Voters expand homestead exemptions in Decatur<br />
Unofficial results from yesterday's election show that all four proposals to expand property tax homestead exemptions in Decatur passed, including a ballot question that will exempt homeowners over the age of 65 from school taxes beginning in 2017. Voters also approved a fifth measure which eliminates an exemption that was no longer in effect.<br />
<br />
The vote on Senate Bill 339, which increases the basic homestead exemption to exempt $25,000 in assessed value, was the most decisive result with 86 percent approval.<br />
<br />
SB 340, which increases the amount of assessed value exempted for homeowners over the age of 65, passed by 83 percent.<br />
<br />
Voters favored the creation of a new exemption under SB 342 for homeowners over 62 with income under $50,000.<br />
<br />
SB 343, the senior school tax exemption, proved to be the most controversial of the measures, but still passed handily at 75 percent.<br />
<br />
Homeowners in Decatur who currently have the existing age 65 homestead exemption, the "GH2," will be granted the new school exemption automatically in 2017. Homeowners with the basic homestead exemption do not have to reapply to receive the increased exemption amount; that will also be granted automatically. The City of Decatur will provide further guidance to homeowners on how and when to apply for the new exemption under SB 342 after the election results have been certified.<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030, USA33.7737215 -84.29619933.773309 -84.2968295 33.774134000000004 -84.2955685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-63201416383210695672016-11-08T08:46:00.000-05:002016-11-08T08:46:22.652-05:00Decatur offers discount on lawyers' occupation taxes<br />
Last week, Decatur billed over 250 attorneys practicing law in the city. The annual occupation tax bill is $400 plus a $25 administration fee. For lawyers who pay their tax by Nov. 30, the City of Decatur will discount the bill by waiving the $25 fee. Revenues from the tax are used to provide quality services to the public.<br />
<br />
The tax can be paid online. Decatur's occupation tax website allows for payments by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, or e-check. No additional fees are charged for paying online.
To use this option, go to <a href="http://www.decaturgatax.com/">www.decaturgatax.com</a>, click on “Occupation Tax” on the upper left, select 2016 as the year, and enter your name as it appears on your bill. Once you’ve accessed your record, click “Renew,” and you’ll see your option to pay. <b>If paying before Nov. 30, adjust your payment amount to $400.</b><br />
<br />
If you or someone in your firm practices law in Decatur but have not received a bill, or if you have any questions, please call our office at 678-553-6743 or email us at taxes@decaturga.com.<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030, USA33.7737215 -84.29619933.773309 -84.2968295 33.774134000000004 -84.2955685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-75292748099439973252016-10-25T11:38:00.000-04:002016-10-25T11:38:38.945-04:00Decatur tax bills online for 2016<br />
Decatur property tax bills for the second installment of 2016 are online now. You can view, print, or pay your bill at <a href="http://www.decaturgatax.com/">www.decaturgatax.com</a>. Payments can be made by e-check with no processing fees. Credit card payments are accepted with a processing fee charged by a third-party provider. You can pay by check or cash if you prefer. More details including how the bills and fees were calculated, key dates, and information about exemptions are included in our "Tax Notes" <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bzg1oKgxrdIFSk5pR1NhZWFtSnM/view" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Paper bills were mailed last week. If you have not received your printed bill within the next few days, please use our website to obtain your bill, or call us at 678-553-6506.
<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030, USA33.7737215 -84.29619933.773309 -84.2968295 33.774134000000004 -84.2955685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-28137616645506615502016-10-24T14:17:00.000-04:002016-10-24T14:17:39.823-04:00Now hiring<br />
Decatur is searching for a new administrative assistant who will alternate duties between the Revenue Division and the city's human resources office. Information about the job can be found <a href="http://decaturga.com/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/242/41" target="_blank">here</a>. This position is a unique opportunity to learn and assist with both financial and personnel services in City Hall.<br />
<br />Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030, USA33.7737215 -84.29619933.773309 -84.2968295 33.774134000000004 -84.2955685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-42855108395391441452016-10-19T07:30:00.000-04:002016-10-19T07:30:33.223-04:00Legislators intend to fix the equalized HOST<br />
In 2015, the General Assembly passed House Bill 215, which authorized a vote in 2016 for a new, "equalized" homestead option sales tax (HOST) and special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) that would alter the formula for a local sales tax for infrastructure improvements and property tax credit offsets. The legislature also approved HB 596, authorized a vote to extend the existing property tax "freeze," which locks in homeowner values for the purposes of county tax billing. HB 215 included language that said the freeze would be suspended if an equalized HOST were in effect. Realizing that this would increase homeowners' tax bills, officials have decided not to put the sales tax measure on the ballot. HB 596 will appear on November ballots as regularly scheduled to extend the freeze.<br />
<br />
Members of the DeKalb legislative delegation is saying that they will work quickly in the 2017 session to correct HB 215 for a vote. <a href="http://crossroadsnews.com/news/2016/sep/23/dekalb-delegation-change-law-hampering-county-splo/" target="_blank">Crossroads News</a> has the details on the legislators' plans:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>DeKalb delegation to change law hampering county SPLOST
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The DeKalb delegation to the Georgia General Assembly is preparing to fix a state law that derailed a DeKalb County government Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax in July.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The DeKalb Board of Commissioners was preparing to vote to place a 1 percent sales tax referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot to fund road paving and other infrastructure improvements when it discovered that House Bill 596 would have eliminated property tax relief for homeowners.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The SPLOST would have generated $551 million over five years with $377.7 million going to the county and the rest to the cities.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Now commissioners like Larry Johnson, who represents District 3 and is the BOC’s presiding officer, are pushing for the law to be amended. Johnson said more than $200 million will be spent in South DeKalb if voters approve the SPLOST.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“That is money that will fix our roads and improve our parks and libraries,” he said. “We need that money to make improvements.”
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
State Sen. Emanuel Jones, who attended a Sept. 20 SPLOST update meeting hosted by Johnson, said he is working to change the law in the early weeks of the 2017 legislative session so that the referendum can be on the March 2017 ballot.
“It’s an accelerated time line but we can do it,” Jones told the meeting...</blockquote>
Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-76849837470266504632016-10-18T08:00:00.000-04:002016-10-18T08:00:10.366-04:00Info session scheduled on proposed homestead exemptions<div class="tr_bq">
<br /></div>
<div class="tr_bq">
If you would like to learn more about the proposed, expanded property tax exemptions in Decatur, including the school tax exemption for homeowners over the age of 65, a session will be held on October 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street. This will certainly be the best opportunity to learn more about the proposals before voters consider them on Election Day. From the October edition of the Decatur <i>Focus</i>:</div>
<blockquote>
Decatur's Lifelong Community Advisory Board's Taxation and Affordability Committee is hosting a Third Thursday information session for Decatur residents to learn more about the new homestead exemptions that will come up for vote on the Nov. 8 ballot. Join them to learn more.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
A panel from the City Schools of Decatur and the City of Decatur will answer questions and provide information about these five homestead exemptions. One of them is an exemption from school property taxes for homeowners over the age of 65--an exemption that expires in five years, when it will be reevaluated.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
For more information about the Decatur for a Lifetime initiative or the board, contact Lee Ann Harvey at 678-553-6548 or leeann.harvey@decaturga.com.</blockquote>
Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-89549464349583201822016-10-15T07:30:00.000-04:002016-10-15T07:30:23.421-04:00Georgia puts tax lien on 'real housewife of Atlanta'<br />
A lien has been filed against Atlanta-area celebrity NeNe Leakes. The lien is apparently for almost $100,000 in unpaid state income taxes. This comes after receiving a much larger federal tax lien. From the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3822215/Real-Housewives-Atlanta-star-NeNe-Leakes-hit-tax-lien-owes-1million-taxes-IRS-threatens-seize-assets.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>:<br />
<blockquote>
<h3>
EXCLUSIVE: Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes hit with ANOTHER tax lien and now owes almost $1 million in back taxes - as IRS threatens to seize her assets</h3>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes was hit with a state tax lien on September 22 in Georgia court
She is accused of refusing to pay a total of $95,232.92 in 2014 state taxes </li>
<li>The lien comes after she was hit with a $824,366.01 federal tax lien in July for refusing to pay federal back taxes for 2014
Leakes appeared on the 18th season of Dancing with the Stars - where she placed seventh</li>
<li>That same year, she announced the launch of The NeNe Leakes Collection on the Home Shopping Network</li>
<li>If she does not pay her debt soon, the Georgia Department of Revenue will also begin the process of seizing her assets and property</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes' financial troubles continue to worsen as she was hit with a second tax lien in four months - this time for nearly $100,000.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Leakes, whose real name is Linnethia Monique Leakes, was hit with a state tax lien from the Georgia Department of Revenue for $95,232.92 on September 22 over unpaid taxes from 2014.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In July, the federal government also hit the 48-year-old reality star with a tax lien, threatening to seize her assets if she didn’t pay $824,366.01 in back federal taxes from the same year.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The state tax lien that was filed in September shows that Leakes originally owed $58,458, but it has grown with interest ($9,715.71), penalties ($15,317.61), collection fees ($11,691.60) and other costs.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If she does not pay her debt soon, the Department of Revenue will begin the process of seizing her assets and property.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The federal and state liens still remain active, meaning she has yet to pay off her debt...</blockquote>
Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4428836203412475524.post-19026090076340274572016-10-14T08:00:00.000-04:002016-10-14T08:00:22.835-04:00Using tax digests for genealogical research<br />
According to a recent article by the Augusta Genealogical Society, property tax digests can be a great tool for historical and genealogical research. I am somewhat surprised by this since tax digests are not permanent records under the state retention schedule. In Georgia, tax digests are temporary records to be retained for 14 years. That being said, I imagine that a lot of counties haven't destroyed their old tax digests, and the article points out that Ancestry.com has a large collection. Records probably vary a lot from county to county, and it sounds useful if a county has maintained them. Here are the <a href="http://chronicle.augusta.com/life/2016-10-09/your-story-tax-records-invaluable-genealogical-work#" target="_blank">Augusta Genealogical Society</a>'s insights:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Your Story: Tax records invaluable for genealogical work</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
By Augusta Genealogical Society</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
One of the most valuable, yet overlooked record sets for genealogical research is the tax digest.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
When census records are missing, tax records can fill the gap, showing residence in a particular place at a particular time. Combined with other evidence, a number of facts can be gleaned from extant tax digest. But extracting information from the digest requires patience and perseverance.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Regardless of the state or county in which your ancestors lived, tax records were created, although not all have survived. A check of the websites for the state archives where your family lived might be helpful in determining what is obtainable. It is also important to understand what the tax records imply, which can change from year to year according to the laws established by the state Legislature for each year.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In Georgia, many tax digests have been preserved. Original digests can often still be found in county courthouses, either in the office of the Superior Court clerk or Probate Court, or in the county archives or records retention facility. Most have been microfilmed and are held by the Georgia Archives in Morrow. Some, but very few, are indexed.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Many 18th century Georgia tax digests have been digitized and can be accessed from the comfort of your own home and computer by signing into Georgia’s Virtual Vault.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Ancestry.com also has a large collection of late 18th and 19th century Georgia tax digests that are accessible online. Although Ancestry.com is a subscription site, it can often be accessed through your local public library. So far, Georgia tax digests found on Ancestry.com are not complete for every county, but they certainly are worth checking before resorting to rolling through microfilm...</blockquote>
Russ Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671485772551607102noreply@blogger.com0