ATLANTA – State Representative Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) commends Governor Brian Kemp for signing Senate Bill 311 into law on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Sponsored by Rep. Carter in the House, SB 311 would provide an opportunity for local residents to increase the homestead exemption for senior citizens living in Newton County.
“I am thrilled that Newton County citizens will now have a chance to provide much-needed tax relief to senior citizens in their community,” said Rep. Carter. “By increasing the homestead exemption to $50,000, eligible senior residents can reduce their property tax burden and better manage their finances, especially those on a fixed income. As home values in Newton County continue to increase, alleviating the tax burden for our senior citizens will help them lead a more comfortable life.”
SB 311 will allow local residents to enact this legislation through a local ballot referendum later this year. If the local referendum is approved by area residents, SB 311 would revise the homestead exemption from Newton County and Newton County School District ad valorem taxes for residents who are 65 years of age and older by increasing the amount to $50,000. This increase homestead exemption would apply to senior residents whose net retirement income combined with a spouse does not exceed $100,552 and whose non-retirement income does not exceed $25,000.
Newton County voters will have a chance to vote on the ballot referendum for this homestead exemption increase in November 2023.
This legislation was originally sponsored by State Senator Tonya Anderson (D-Lithonia).
For more information on SB 311, please click here.
Representative Doreen Carter represents the citizens of District 93, which includes portions of DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2015 and currently serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Code Revision, Education, Industry and Labor, Small Business Development and Special Rules committees.
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