ATLANTA— State Representative Harry Geisinger (R-Roswell) today passed the most sweeping automobile tax reform legislation in the House of Representatives.
“I’m so pleased that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle participated in a lively, supportive debate,” Rep. Geisinger said. “So many people worked countless hours to perfect this bill for all Georgians, and now it’s closer to becoming a reality.”
House Bill 480 removes the sales tax on automobiles purchased in Georgia and the dreaded ad valorem tax, or the birthday tax, on vehicles purchased after January 1, 2010. In its place, this bill creates a one-time title fee of seven percent of the value of the automobile purchased to be paid when the vehicle is titled. The maximum fee that will be collected under this bill is $2000.
Rep. Geisinger worked with members of the school system, local governments and many others to ensure this out-of the-box idea would benefit all Georgians. This bill provides funding for local governments, the state, schools and trauma care.
“It’s not often that we can save Georgians money and do something good for the state,” said Rep. Geisinger. “I want to make sure Georgians can keep what they work hard for.”
“For the first time in my life, the government won’t be the first lien holder on my car,” said Chairman Larry O’Neal, Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee. “The government will not be the first lien holder with the ad valorem tax.”
Majority Leader Jerry Keen told members of the House of Representatives this is the best legislation so far this year. The next step in this legislation is to pass the Senate.
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Representative Harry Geisinger represents the citizens of District 48, which includes portions of Fulton County. He was first elected into the House of Representatives in 1969-1974, and was then was sworn in again in 2007. He currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee. He also serves on the MARTOC, Natural Resources & Environment, and Transportation committees.