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Is it possible to get rid of income tax in Georgia?

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Is it possible to get rid of income tax in Georgia?


While Georgians watch their income tax obligations decrease, could state leaders eliminate the burden altogether?

“Georgia currently receives about half of its annual revenue from the income tax, and the vast majority of that comes from the personal income tax,” Kyle Wingfield, Georgia Public Policy Foundation’s president and CEO, told The Center Square. “If we assume the state isn’t going to cut half of its budget, Georgians would most likely see a sizable increase in sales taxes — by adding the sales tax to things like services, groceries and other exempted items and/or by increasing the sales tax rate on all taxed items.

“The Georgia Public Policy Foundation previously published a study in 2021 showing that the personal income tax rate could be cut to 3% by applying the sales tax to a wide variety of services; it’s unclear how much the study’s assumptions might have changed since then due to significant inflation, and we did not study how much the sales tax rate might have to be increased in order to eliminate the income tax altogether,” Wingfield added.

Georgia governor Brian Kemp signed bills to decrease individual income tax. Maya Homan / USA TODAY NETWORK

In April, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed a series of tax bills, including a measure to speed up a decrease in the state’s personal income tax rate. House Bill 1015 lowers the individual income tax rate from 5.49% to 5.39% for the tax years starting Jan. 1, 2024.

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It decreases the rate by 0.1% annually starting Jan. 1, 2025, until it reaches 4.99%.

During May’s Republican primary, roughly 64.6% of voters cast ballots in favor of a question asking whether the legislature should enact the FairTax, replacing the state income and state sales taxes with a consumption tax equal to current state funding.

It would not tax legal citizens or families up to the poverty level of spending.

An analysis from The Buckeye Institute, a Columbus, Ohio-based think tank, found an incremental personal income tax cut to 3.99% by 2030 would generate more jobs and economic growth.

“A state’s tax code should be simple and transparent, neutral (minimal impact on people’s decisions), and predictable,” Tony West, state director of Americans for Prosperity, told The Center Square via email. “There are many approaches to tax reform—the fair tax included—that could be characterized by these principles. What’s most important for any major reform is that taxpayer dollars are used wisely, and no more is collected than necessary to perform the basic functions of government.”

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Lt. Governor Burt Jones has been a proponent of eliminating the Peach State’s income tax.

If Georgia moved to a FairTax or eliminated its state income tax, where would taxpayers expect to pay more, presuming the state would continue to collect the same amount of taxes and fees?

“I’ve long advocated for phasing out the state income tax in Georgia and believe it’s the best way to keep Georgia pro-business and pro-growth and maintain our competitive edge with surrounding states,” Jones, a Republican, said in a statement to The Center Square. “Cutting taxes spurs economic growth, creating new revenues for the state. These conservative, pro-growth policies for Georgia families, work for Georgia businesses, and work for Georgia’s budget.”



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Georgia

1974 Alive at Georgia Tech

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5 hours ago

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June 25, 2024

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1974 Alive at Georgia Tech


Nine months after the sold-out show at Tech, Yes played at The Omni Nov. 30 for more than 16,000 fans. The next night, rock icon David Bowie performed the final show of his Diamond Dogs tour at the same arena — and within a year of their Fall 1974 shows, KISS and Lynyrd Skynyrd would each return to Atlanta as headliners at The Omni.

Throughout the 1970s, Tech would continue to host many of the decade’s most prominent bands and artists at Alexander Memorial Coliseum and Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Dog Day Afternoon festival in 1977 and Alex Cooley’s Champagne Jam concerts in 1978 and 1979 brought massive, sweaty crowds of music fans to campus for acts including Atlanta Rhythm Section, Bob Seger, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Heart, The Cars, and Aerosmith.

The Georgia Tech Athletics Association has continued to open its facilities for music promoters in years since, and Tech has hosted Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, Ludacris, Big Boi, and the Rolling Stones (twice!). “We are approached periodically about hosting external events, including concerts featuring popular acts,” an Athletics spokesperson said. “We are proud to provide great entertainment opportunities for the Georgia Tech community and are always looking to drive revenue that can help us provide additional resources for our student-athletes.” Most recently, Athletics welcomed thousands of Yellow Jacket supporters and music fans for the Helluva Block Party series of pregame concerts on North Avenue.

Five decades on, many of the bands whose sounds reverberated within the metal rafters of Alexander Memorial Coliseum are revered by millions. Auslander explained why he thinks the popular music of the 1970s persists. “Today, there are more shared musical tastes and experiences across generations than in the past. Youth in the 1970s mostly rejected the music and culture of their parents — now, we see parents and their children listening to the same music and going to concerts together,” he said.

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Although his football experience was cut short due to injury, Ken Smith studied building construction, industrial management, and mechanical engineering at Tech and ran a successful HVAC company in the Augusta area. Over the past 50 years, Smith has seen the Doobie Brothers live more than 30 times, as well as Chicago and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

And Ned Barbre has continued returning to the Tech campus for concerts, including Pink Floyd, Jimmy Buffett, Arlo Guthrie, and the Stones.

Having experienced more than 40 KISS concerts from 1974 through the band’s farewell tour, David Dean said, “I will always remember that first show at Georgia Tech.”

 



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Georgia's tourism industry hit by loss of Israeli visitors

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13 hours ago

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June 25, 2024

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Georgia's tourism industry hit by loss of Israeli visitors


“Bookings have been cancelled, and projections for new bookings are very low” according to one restauranteur.

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Georgia’s summer season has begun but a significant share of visitors are missing: Israelis.

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has meant Israelis are less able or unwilling to travel internationally. This drop in numbers is being felt in Georgia which usually welcomes many visitors from Israel.

“The loss is noticeable. The situation in the region has affected the number of tourists from Israel,” says Levan Giorgadze from Tbilisi Free Walking Tours.

“Compared to previous years, the number of tourists from Israel has decreased noticeably. I wouldn’t say that they don’t come at all anymore, it’s just, of course, in smaller quantities.”

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Georgia’s capital Tbilisi is popular year-round with tourists, while the beaches along the Black Sea coast are a popular summer holiday destination.

Shota Burjanadze, Chairman of the Georgian Restaurateurs Association, expressed similar worries: “Bookings have been cancelled, and projections for new bookings are very low. Therefore, unfortunately, this year will not live up to expectations.”

But not everyone agrees. Maia Omiadze, Head of Georgia’s Tourist Association, believes the summer will be busy, bustling and successful. She notes that the 15 places from which tourists visit the most include Georgia‘s neighbouring countries, Persian Gulf nations and the European Union.

“The data for the first quarter of 2024 was very positive. This result allows us to have high expectations and to assume that the second quarter, the summer season and the general trend towards the end of the year in the tourism industry will be very positive,” she says.

“We expected tourists mainly from Asia, Persian Gulf and European countries. European countries made up 5% of the total number. Today, tourists are mainly expected to visit Adjara and are largely coming from our neighbouring countries, Turkey, Armenia and Russia,” Maia adds.

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Office for National Statistics data for the first quarter of 2024 shows these nations still hold the top three places for the most number of visitors to Georgia.

Watch the video above to see more about Georgia’s tourism industry in 2024.



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Local students’ Spring 2024 Graduation at Georgia State University

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20 hours ago

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June 25, 2024

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Local students’ Spring 2024 Graduation at Georgia State University


ATLANTA, GA (06/24/2024)– More than 3,500 students earned degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate levels from Georgia State University during its 109th commencement exercises at the end of the spring 2024 semester this May.

Graduates from the local coverage area include:

  • Davey Barnes, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science In Nursing degree
  • Zachary Trotter, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Physics
  • Victoria Washington, of Monroe (30655), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Kinesiology And Health
  • Hillary Gutierrez, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Health Science Professions
  • Jada Harley, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Health Science Professions
  • Krea Holmes, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Health Science Professions
  • Nour Nassar, of Monroe (30656), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Health Science Professions
  • Yoneil Edwards, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Criminal Justice
  • Silina Hunter, of Monroe (30655), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Business Administration
  • Peyton Kelly, of Monroe (30655), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Business Administration
  • Melvin Perkins, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Business Administration
  • Silas Thornton, of Social Circle (30025), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Business Administration
  • Edwin Caballero, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Arts degree with studies in Film
  • Lidia Quero, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Arts degree with studies in Film
  • Mikayla Gmitter, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Social Work degree
  • Adrian Sinclair, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Social Work degree
  • Kela Gates, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Science degree in the university’s Family Nurse Practitioner program
  • Katie Flynn, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Science degree in Sport Administration
  • Parris Maguire, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Science degree in Geosciences with a concentration in Water Sciences
  • Amanda Lyons, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Epidemiology
  • Jessica Stokes, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Education degree in Health And Physical Education
  • Elizabeth Shuford, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies, with a concentration in Religion And Aging
  • Meredith Calhoun, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree
  • Jadia Bullock, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree
  • Rosemary Peters, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree
  • Lesley Falcon-Estrada, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree
  • Renee Wilson, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree
  • Angelia Sack, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science In Nursing degree
  • Emily Hardwar, of Social Circle (30025), Earning a Bachelor of Science In Nursing degree
  • Akiyah McCrary, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Elementary Education, with a concentration in Special Education
  • Shiloh Coore, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Birth Through Five Education, with a concentration in Teacher Education
  • Mandy Lin, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy with a minor in Psychology
  • Harrison Duncan, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health
  • Donovan Prease, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health
  • Kadiatou Cisse, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in the Pre-Medical Track
  • Providence Mpano, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology
  • Sierra Chard, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition Science
  • Dominique Torres, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Anthropology
  • Felix Siame, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with a minor in Mathematics
  • Elisabeth Easley, of Social Circle (30025), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Legal Studies, and a minor in Psychology
  • Jessica Roopnarine, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Legal Studies
  • Scarlet Valencia, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Legal Studies
  • Emily Easley, of Social Circle (30025), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Crime and Justice, and a minor in Psychology
  • Deja Melchor, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Crime and Justice
  • Andrew Davis, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science
  • Aaron Rollings, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science
  • Nadia Trigoso, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science
  • Varsha Khemraj, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a concentration in Clinical Informatics
  • Ashley Cooper, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree
  • Baylon Faulkner, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing
  • Alexis Jimenez, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing
  • Diane Zahui, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing
  • Kayline Casimir, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Managerial Sciences
  • Kera Astin, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance with a minor in Hospitality Administration
  • A’Kiriya Rucker, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems
  • Adara Sewell, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Actuarial Science
  • Dylan Strickland, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology
  • Alexis Kirkland, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology
  • Mahogany Woods, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology
  • Jada Jackson, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film And Media with a minor in the Georgia Film Academy program
  • Kamal McAllister, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film And Media with a minor in Game Design & Development

Georgia State University, one of the largest, most innovative multi-campus public research universities, transforms the lives of students, advances the frontiers of knowledge and strengthens the workforce of the future. With campuses in and around metro Atlanta, Georgia State readies students for professional pursuits, educates future leaders and prepares citizens for lifelong learning. Enrolling one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation, Georgia State prioritizes student success ensuring that students from all backgrounds graduate at high rates. The university provides outstanding experiential educational opportunities and exceptional support for students seeking degrees from the associate to the doctoral level. One of the nation’s fastest-growing research institutions, Georgia State’s scholarship and research focus on solving complex issues ranging from the most fundamental questions of the universe to the most challenging issues of our day, while our creative activities expand and enrich the world.

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