Cartersville, City of; ad valorem tax for municipal purposes; provide homestead exemption

New property tax break for Cartersville homeowners

The law creates a $100,000 exemption from assessed home value for Cartersville city property taxes, including taxes for city bonds. It adds to other city homestead exemptions but does not lower state, county, or school taxes. Home value above the exemption remains subject to city taxes. Residents must live in the home as their homestead and apply through the city or its designee, personally or through an agent. The exemption renews automatically each year while residents qualify; they must notify the city when they become ineligible. The tax break starts January 1, 2027, subject to approval by more than half of votes cast in the November 3, 2026 city election. Without voter approval, or without the election, the tax-break section is automatically repealed January 1, 2027. The city must pay for the election and publish notice in Bartow County’s official newspaper during the two preceding weeks. The election superintendent must certify results to the Secretary of State; a court action can compel required election duties.