POLITICS

Georgia vote, Florida credits, Indiana tax amnesty announced

PUBLISHED Jul 9, 2026, 11:54 PM ET

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DEMOREST, Ga. The Demorest City Council unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement Thursday authorizing Mayor Jerry Harkness to sign support for a proposed countywide one-cent sales tax under House Bill 581 and Senate Bill 33, moving Habersham County closer to placing the measure on the Nov. 3 ballot to reduce property millage while maintaining local funding. This development comes as state revenue agencies adjust tax programs: the Florida Department of Revenue extended the child care tax credits program through state fiscal year 2027–28, keeping allocation processes in place, and the Indiana Department of Revenue announced Tax Amnesty 2026, running July 15–Sept. 9 for liabilities before Jan. 1, 2024, and noted related legislative changes effective July 1.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

House Bill 581 and Senate Bill 33 authorized floating homestead exemption and local sales-tax options.
Discussions about the Georgia proposal took place over nearly two years following HB581's passage.
Demorest City Council unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement Thursday to support the countywide sales tax proposal.
Indiana DOR announced Tax Amnesty 2026 for July 15–Sept. 9 and noted legislation effective July 1.
Florida DOR announced extension of childcare tax credits through state fiscal year 2027–28.

News Intelligence

These tax changes could affect your wallet. Georgia residents might see a sales tax hike but lower property taxes. Florida families could benefit from extended child care tax credits. Indiana taxpayers with old debts get a chance to clear them without penalties. Check your state's revenue department for updates.

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Who Benefited

If approved, Habersham County governments would maintain services while reducing millage rates; Florida childcare providers and qualifying employers gain extended tax credit access through FY2027–28; Indiana taxpayers with pre-2024 liabilities can resolve debts under the 2026 amnesty window and avoid penalties and interest during that period.

Who Impacted

Voters face a potential one-cent countywide sales tax to replace portions of property tax revenue if they approve the November ballot measure; consumers could see a slight sales-tax increase contingent on local approval, and taxpayers with outstanding liabilities must act within the Indiana amnesty window to avoid future enforcement.

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