Troup County; ad valorem tax; educational purposes; increase homestead exemption

Bigger school tax break for Troup seniors

The law raises Troup County’s senior homestead exemption from school property taxes from $40,000 to $100,000 of assessed value. Homeowners must be 65 or older. The prior-year income limit rises from $40,000 to $50,000, counting the homeowner and any spouse living in the home. Income includes retirement, disability, pension, and Social Security benefits. The exemption covers the home and up to two connected acres; assessed value above $100,000 remains taxable. It ends at the close of the tax year when the claimant dies, sells, or otherwise transfers the home. The increase takes effect January 1, 2026, only with approval from more than half of votes cast in the required referendum. The law requires that election on November 4, 2025, with published notices and a ballot describing both increases. Troup County pays election costs, and the election superintendent must certify results to the Secretary of State. A court order can compel the superintendent to perform these duties. Without voter approval or a properly conducted election, the increase does not take effect. The act then automatically repeals itself on the 365th day after the scheduled election date.