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GeorgiaSB 5662025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Ad Valorem Taxation of Property; the acceptance of tax digests in the event of a publication error made by a newspaper; provide

Sponsored By: John Albers (Republican), Jason Anavitarte (Republican), Billy Hickman (Republican), Chuck Hufstetler (Republican), Shawn Still (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Ways & MeansFinanceGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Inflation cap on homestead values

Beginning January 1, 2026, your homestead’s assessed value growth is capped by last year’s inflation. The adjusted value adds only the smaller of the year’s increase or that inflation cap, plus any value from major changes to the property. The law bars double counting the same addition or removal. A “substantial property change” means additions, improvements, or removals, and its value is set after any final appeal. If your exemption starts in 2025, your base year is the 2024 assessed value after appeals and adjustments for major changes.

Homestead filing, renewal, and penalties

Beginning January 1, 2026, you must file a written homestead application in the year you make the home your main residence, by the local “closing of the books.” For reassessed properties, you may file up to the appeal deadline on your assessment notice. Missing the deadline waives the exemption for that year. Once granted, the exemption renews each year while you live there, but you must tell the tax office by the appeal deadline if you become ineligible. If you fail to report ineligibility, you owe back taxes and interest plus a penalty equal to 50% of the improper tax reduction, with the right to appeal. If you later reapply after losing eligibility, your base year resets like a new applicant. If you had the exemption in 2024 and still qualify in 2025, the 2025 exemption is granted automatically without a new application.

Clearer property tax notices and bills

Beginning January 1, 2026, your annual assessment notice shows prior and current values, listed exemptions and credits, fair market and assessed values, and your estimated tax savings. It explains how to appeal and gives a 45‑day deadline to file. The notice must be mailed by July 1, except for later mailings to fix mapping or other corrections. Your tax bill must show total taxes, all credits and reductions, and the net amount due. It must also show a bold warning if the adopted rate is higher than the estimated roll‑back rate used in your notice. If your local government opted out of the base‑year homestead program, your homestead bill must include a bold notice with a phone number; this applies to tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2029. Notices also state that three public meetings are required before raising revenue on existing properties. The law also removes the old rule that required officials to certify an estimated roll‑back rate each year.

Statewide checks on homestead exemptions

Beginning January 1, 2026, local tax officials must send the state a yearly list of homestead exemptions they approved or denied. The Department of Revenue keeps a statewide list. Local officials must review it before approving exemptions and each year before mailing assessment notices.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • John Albers

    Republican • Senate

  • Jason Anavitarte

    Republican • Senate

  • Billy Hickman

    Republican • Senate

  • Chuck Hufstetler

    Republican • Senate

  • Shawn Still

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bruce Williamson

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 294 • No: 23

Senate vote • 3/27/2026

AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 48 • No: 1

House vote • 3/25/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 161 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

MOTION TO ENGROSS: SB 423, SB 515, SB 566, SB 568, SB 573, SR 838

Yes: 32 • No: 22

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 53 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    4/22/2026Senate

  2. Act 378

    4/22/2026

  3. Effective Date

    4/22/2026

  4. Senate Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub

    3/27/2026Senate

  6. House Third Readers

    3/25/2026House

  7. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/25/2026House

  8. House Withdrawn, Recommitted

    3/23/2026House

  9. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/18/2026House

  10. House Second Readers

    3/10/2026House

  11. House First Readers

    3/9/2026House

  12. Senate Engrossed

    3/6/2026Senate

  13. Senate Third Read

    3/6/2026Senate

  14. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/6/2026Senate

  15. Senate Read Second Time

    3/4/2026Senate

  16. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/3/2026Senate

  17. Senate Read and Referred

    2/25/2026Senate

  18. Senate Hopper

    2/24/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 566/AP* (v9)

    PDF

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