New Vehicle Tax Law Causing Headaches for Franklin County Tax Commissioner Office

Franklin County’s Tax Commissioner says his office is being overwhelmed by customers needing help with the State’s new car tax law.

In March, House Bill 386 went into effect. The new law eliminates sales taxes charged on new or used cars in Georgia.  Sales taxes have been replaced with a new 6.5% title opt in tax that applies to both dealership and private party purchases.

Additionally, the title tax is not due every year and Ad Valorem taxes have been eliminated on vehicles purchased after March 1, 2013.

Tax Commissioner Bobby Martin told the Franklin County Board of Commissioners Thursday night that new law is creating confusion for vehicle owners and extra work for his office staff.

He said as a result his staff is spending at least 15 minutes more with each customers explaining their options and doing research on their vehicle.

“Every vehicle that we’re dealing with now has a story to tell,” Martin told the board. “We have to review each vehicle to determine when it was purchased and review all of the characteristics that might be associated with that vehicle.  We also have to explained the complicated and complex laws and regulations associated with this new process and help the customer understand their options and what is best for them.”

Martin said they also have to review all of the documentation on the vehicle and determine what price the vehicle was purchased for.  He said they also have determine what taxes on the vehicle have previously been paid and determine whether the vehicle is actually complies with the new law.

For that reason, Martin told the board he needs one extra full-time employee to help with the customer load.

“What I’m asking you to consider is to increase our budget next (fiscal) to pay for that extra employee,” Martin said. “With employee benefits, I believe that we will need an extra $29,000.”

Martin noted a current employee will be retiring next year and has asked to go part-time until then. He said once that employee leaves the new employee will fill that gap full-time.

“I believe next year when the opt-in provisions end next year that our work load will decrease somewhat, shortening customer service time,” he said. “This will coincide with one of our employees retiring next year.”

Martin noted that employee has asked to go part-time until she retires next year.  Commissioner  Clint Harper agreed the Tax Commissioner’s office does need the extra help.

And Commission Chair Tom Bridges commended Martin for his work, noting he is considered one of the top tax commissioners in the state with a 98% collection rate overall.

No vote was taken Thursday.  Commissioners plan to vote on Martin’s request at their regular meeting on Monday.