By Dave Williams

Capitol Beat News Service

ATLANTA – Georgia voters were poised to overwhelmingly approve two tax-relief measures on the statewide ballot Tuesday night, while a third tax-related proposal held a smaller lead.

With 122 of the state’s 159 counties reporting, a constitutional amendment offering property tax relief had racked up 63% of the total, according to unofficial results.

A second proposal on the statewide ballot increasing the exemption on Georgia’s personal property tax also was headed toward passage with 66% of the vote.

The property tax relief measure – Constitutional Amendment One – would prohibit local governments from raising residential property assessments in a given year by more than the annual rate of inflation, even if a home’s market value has gone up more.

Cities, counties and school districts would be allowed to opt out of the provision if they choose. However, any local government that wishes to go that route would have to advertise its intent to do so and hold at least three public hearings.

Referendum A would increase the exemption on personal property taxes from $7,500 to $20,000. While the exemption would benefit all Georgians, supporters pitched it as aimed mainly at small business owners.

Constitutional Amendment Two was ahead Tuesday night but by a narrower margin than the two tax-relief measures. The amendment calling for the creation of a state tax court was supported by 51% of the voters to 49% opposed.

Supporters argued the new court would be staffed with judges who have expertise to decide cases related to the assessment and collection of state or local taxes. The same argument carried the day back in 2018 when voters approved the creation of a Statewide Business Court.