ATLANTA – A state lawmaker wants to ban “nontax fees” from appearing on property tax bills.
Rep. Brett Harrell, R-Snellville, introduced HB 291, which would ban the non tax fees, such as waste removal and storm water fees, from appearing on tax bills. Harrell estimates 15-20 percent of some people’s tax bills come from nontax fees.
“Too often citizens across Georgia experience increased property tax bills, higher month mortgage payments, and in some cases even liens against their property, all resulting from the addition of nontax fees to their property tax bills,” Harrell said in a news release. “This legislation will help ease the burden on Georgia households and increase government transparency. By making certain that tax payers are billed fairly, we can also help ensure clarity in our local tax structures.”
The proposed measure would require that nontax bills be sent separately to residents.
According to Harrell, many Georgia residents accidently file incorrect tax returns because nontax fees are added to tax bills. That’s because residents deduct their total tax bill from their income tax, not just the property tax portion allowed by law, according to Harrell.
