When you buy a vehicle, you'll pay a one-time 6.5 percent tax. That percentage is scheduled to increase slightly each year.

If you bought a car before January 2012, you're still obligated to pay the birthday tax. The new law applies to all vehicles bought in Georgia, no matter where they are purchased. 

About the Author

Keep Reading

Ernie Suggs, a reporter at the AJC since 1997, reviews a selection of articles he has contributed to during his time with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, as of Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

University of Georgia students are seen entering and leaving the main Library on the Athens campus on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez