ATLANTA – State Representative John Carson (R–Marietta) today announced changes to House Bill 445, or the More Take Home Pay Act. HB 445, originally introduced during the 2015 legislative session, seeks to reform Georgia’s tax system by broadening the tax base and moving toward a more consumption-based model.
“I have listened to input and feedback from constituents in my district, as well as interested parties throughout the state,” said Rep. Carson. “What we heard is that a state sales tax on groceries would adversely affect Georgia’s senior citizens, who have less taxable income in retirement. Currently, all consumers pay local sales taxes on groceries, which are set by their county, and while many people support the idea of transitioning to a state consumption tax, we must do so in a way that is fair and respects all Georgians.”
Rep. Carson’s More Take Home Pay Act is designed to allow Georgia’s working families to keep more of their money by lowering the state income tax and instead moving towards a consumption based tax model for state revenues. Significant changes to the bill will include:
- A grocery state sales tax exemption for Georgia citizens age 65 and older;
- Retaining economic development tax credits for jobs, investment and research and development; and,
- Decreasing the corporate income tax rate from 6% to 5%.
“Additionally, my changes to HB 445 will include removing various other tax credits and simply have a lower tax rate,” added Rep. Carson. “The individual income tax rate for Georgians still decreases from 6% to 4% over a three year phase-in period. All of these changes, as well as the original bill itself, will be discussed as part of the legislative process and are obviously subject to change.”
The General Assembly convenes in January for the 2016 legislative session.
For more information on HB 445, please click here.
Representative John Carson represents the citizens of District 46, which includes portions of Cherokee and Cobb counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2011, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman on the Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications and Intragovernmental Coordination committees, and Secretary on the Insurance Committee. He also serves on the Ways & Means and Transportation committees.
###