Georgia Legislature proposes City of Toccoa property tax exemption funded by new sales tax, pending November 2026 referendum

Original title: City of Toccoa; ad valorem taxes; homestead property determined annually for the special district based upon the proceeds of a new Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST); provide homestead exemption

Last action · June 23, 2026: Senate Reconsidered LostSponsor: Bo Hatchett

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Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

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What This Bill Proposed

Eligible owners in the City of Toccoa would receive a full exemption from city , funded by a new Local Homestead Option Sales Tax, if approved by voters in a November 2026 referendum. The exemption would take effect on January 1, 2027, and run through December 31, 2039, subject to voter approval and application requirements.

Why it matters

Qualifying homeowners could see their municipal property tax liability eliminated up to the assessed value determined annually by new sales tax proceeds, shifting local tax funding mechanisms.

Background

Local Homestead Option Sales Taxes (LHOST) in Georgia allow counties and municipalities to use sales tax revenue to fund homestead property tax exemptions. context

Who It Would Have Affected

Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

City of Toccoa homestead property owners

Eligible homeowners may receive an exemption from city ad valorem taxes up to the assessed value funded by the new sales tax.

Directly affected

City of Toccoa governing authority

The city is responsible for bearing the expense of the election and administering the homestead exemption.

Key Facts

Grants a homestead exemption from all City of Toccoa ad valorem taxes equal to the assessed value determined annually by net proceeds from a new Local Homestead Option Sales Tax.
Requires approval by a majority of voters in the City of Toccoa residing within the special district during an election on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November 2026.
If approved, the exemption takes effect on January 1, 2027, and remains in effect through December 31, 2039.
Homeowners who received a homestead exemption for the immediately preceding tax year are automatically allowed this new exemption without submitting a new application.

Show all 7 facts

The exemption does not apply to ad valorem taxes levied by authorities other than the City of Toccoa and applies only to real property within the special district.
Requires enactment by a two-thirds' majority vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Georgia General Assembly.
If the referendum fails or is not conducted, the Act is automatically repealed on the 365th calendar day following the election date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I qualify for the Toccoa homestead property tax exemption?

Residents must own located within the and either apply with the local tax official or have received a homestead exemption for the immediately preceding tax year for the same property.

Does this exemption apply to county or school district taxes?

No, the exemption applies only to levied by the governing authority of the City of Toccoa.

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Where This Stands

This bill did not become law - Tabled in the Senate.

Procedural history

9 actions

Jun 23, 2026Senate
Senate Taken from Table
Jun 23, 2026Senate
Senate Reconsidered Lost
Jun 22, 2026SenateCommittee
Senate Committee Favorably Reported
Jun 22, 2026Senate
Senate Local Lost
Jun 22, 2026Senate
Senate Notice to Reconsider
Jun 22, 2026Senate
Senate Reconsidered

Show 3 earlier actions

Jun 22, 2026Senate
Senate Tabled
Jun 20, 2026SenateIntroduced
Senate Read and Referred
Jun 18, 2026SenateIntroduced
Senate Hopper

Version history

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