ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives recently approved House Bill 539 and House Bill 540, which would authorize a homeowner tax relief referendum in 2026, following a round of homeowner tax relief approved by Gwinnett County voters in 2024. State Representative Matt Reeves (R-Duluth) and a bipartisan group of state representatives from Gwinnett County sponsored the legislation, which is supported by Gwinnett County school officials. The bills have been sent to the Georgia State Senate for consideration.
“House Bill 539 and 540 represent a crucial step forward in easing the financial burdens of Gwinnett County homeowners and public service employees, continuing the legacy of meaningful tax relief,” said Rep. Reeves. “As these bills move to the Georgia State Senate, they offer a reminder that local collaboration, bipartisan support and a shared commitment to our community’s well-being can make a lasting impact on the lives of those who serve and reside here.”
HB 539, if approved by voters, would increase the homestead exemption for all Gwinnett County homeowners from $8,000 to $10,000. The 2024 referendum, also sponsored by Rep. Reeves, takes effect during the 2025 tax year and increases the homestead from $4,000 to $8,000. An increased homestead exemption would decrease the tax bill for homeowners. This was the first homeowner tax relief in Gwinnett County since 1988.
HB 540, if approved by voters, would add disabled veterans and all local public school employees to the list of public service employees who would receive an additional $2,000 homestead exemption. The 2024 referendum provided additional tax relief to law enforcement, military and hospital personnel as well as teachers.
The full text of HB 539 may be found here.
The full text of HB 540 may be found here.
*Editor’s note: a photo of Rep. Reeves is attached.
Representative Matt Reeves represents the citizens of District 99, which includes portions of Gwinnett County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and Secretary of the Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations and Insurance Committees.
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