Birthday tax phase out cost local governments money in Georgia

Many Georgians were happy when state lawmakers decided to begin phasing out the so-called "birthday tax," the annual property tax Georgia car owners had to pay on their vehicles.

State lawmakers replaced the "birthday tax," which was called that because it was due on the owners' birthday, with a one-time title fee when you buy a new or used car.

The change - approved in 2012 - worked out great for state government, which took in a lot more money in title taxes than it previously received on the purchase of vehicles. But a new study says it proved a financial hardship for more than half of the state's counties, cities and school districts, which got less money from vehicle taxes in 2016 than they did in 2012 when the change was made.

To find out why, check out our story on myajc.com.

About the Author

Maryland man charged with threatening MTG

The offices of U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene allegedly received eight threatening phone calls from a Maryland man from Oct. 2023 until Jan. 2025.

Georgia’s residential solar market braces for a cloudy future

The "big, beautiful bill" eliminates the residential solar tax credit, a key incentive for homeowners to adopt the technology.

DATA SURGE

As data centers flock to Georgia, state lawmakers haven’t pumped the brakes

There's growing frustration with the rapid growth of data server farms and the huge amounts of energy they use. But lawmakers haven't been able to pass any bills to stop them.

The Latest

Credit: Rod Lamkey Jr./AP