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AJC.com > Legislature > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBurkhalter moves to phase out car tax
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A high-ranking House Republican leader filed a major car tax cut measure this week that would save taxpayers $600 million annually when fully phased in.
House Speaker Pro Tem Mark Burkhalter’s (R-Alpharetta) bill would exempt motorists from paying the auto tag tax on up to $7,500 of the fair market value for their cars and trucks starting in 2009. Over half of the vehicles in Georgia would be totally exempt from the tax at that time, Burkhalter said.
The exemption would steadily rise over the next few years until the tax is fully phased out in 2012.
The taxes motorists pay are based on 40 percent of a vehicle’s value and the local tax millage rate. The state would reimburse local governments for their lost revenue under House Bill 585.
Burkhalter announced on the first day of this year’s 40-day legislative session that he would be filing the legislation.
“To me, this is the most tangible, immediate tax relief we can give taxpayers,” Burkhalter said in an interview today. “They will notice it right away, particularly since it is paid on their birthday.”
His bill has been assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: politics
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By Don't Shift the Burden
March 1, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
If revenue from the tag tax is something the state doesn’t need, then why is the Georgia DOT recommending an additional penny sales tax to fund transportation projects? Eliminating the tag tax provides a big savings to luxury car owners, especially those in households that have more cars than people. Meanwhile, the proposed transportation sales tax puts a huge burden on low income residents who don’t drive much. Keep the tag tax. People who own homes pay property tax, based on their value. Cars are also a form of property and taxes on them should be used to help fund local and state transportation projects.
By Robin Fricton
March 2, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
Please do not get rid of this tax. THis and the sales tax are the only thing the illegal immigrants are paying for in Georgia.