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HB 850

Augusta-Richmond County; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lynn Heffner and 4 co-sponsors

House Bill 850 offers Augusta-Richmond County homeowners a tax exemption on rising property values, easing their financial burden and simplifying access to relief.

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Bill Summary · HB 850

Summary of House Bill 850 (HB 850)

Title

Augusta-Richmond County; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption

Status

  • Effective Date: May 9, 2025
  • Act Number: 101

Introduction

House Bill 850 was introduced on March 25, 2025, by Representatives Newton, Prince, Howard, Heffner, and Myles. The bill aims to provide a homestead exemption from ad valorem taxes for residents of Augusta-Richmond County.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 850 is to offer financial relief to homeowners in Augusta-Richmond County by exempting a portion of their property taxes. This exemption is designed to reduce the tax burden based on the increase in assessed value of a homestead over time.

Key Provisions

  • Homestead Exemption: The bill establishes a homestead exemption from Augusta-Richmond County ad valorem taxes, specifically for consolidated government purposes. The exemption amount equals the difference between the current year assessed value and the adjusted base year assessed value of the homestead.

  • Definitions:

    • Ad Valorem Taxes: Taxes levied by Augusta-Richmond County for consolidated government purposes, excluding those for bonded indebtedness.
    • Adjusted Base Year Assessed Value: A calculation that includes the previous adjusted base year assessed value, a capped increase based on the current year assessed value, and any substantial property changes.
    • Homestead: Defined as the primary residence of the taxpayer, with specific qualifications outlined in existing Georgia law.

  • Eligibility and Application:

    • Homeowners must apply for the exemption through the Augusta-Richmond County tax commissioner.
    • Those who received a homestead exemption for the 2025 tax year will automatically qualify for the exemption in 2026 without needing to reapply.

  • Automatic Renewal: The exemption will automatically renew each year as long as the homeowner continues to occupy the residence as their homestead.

  • Exemption Limitations:

    • The exemption does not apply to state ad valorem taxes, educational taxes, or municipal taxes.
    • It is in addition to other homestead exemptions but cannot be combined with other base year value exemptions.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill primarily affects homeowners in Augusta-Richmond County who meet the eligibility criteria for the homestead exemption.
  • Financial Relief: By exempting a portion of property taxes, the bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on homeowners, particularly those experiencing increases in property value.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was signed by the Governor on May 9, 2025, and became effective the same day.
  • It underwent several legislative steps, including favorable reports from committees and votes in both the House and Senate, before being enacted.

Conclusion

House Bill 850 provides a significant tax exemption for homeowners in Augusta-Richmond County, aimed at reducing the financial impact of rising property values. By establishing clear eligibility criteria and automatic renewal processes, the bill seeks to simplify access to this financial relief for residents.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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