henry county tax commissioner's annual report

1 www.henrytc.org

State of the Office

Greetings,

What started several years ago as an Annual Report has grown into what I consider more of an Impact Report. Since 2009, the Henry County Tax Commissioner’s Office has made it a priority to measure our performance in each aspect of our business. This hasn’t always been easy, yet once we redefined our Mission, Vision and Values (MVV) we had a better understanding of our true purpose. We made the MVV our priority and to prove it we began to reallocate our resources accordingly. We measured, analyzed and evaluated every facet of our business model. The feedback came from our customers internally and

externally. We surveyed the employees, measured wait times, transaction times, efficiencies and effectiveness. Through these steps we have been able to identify our strengths as well as our opportunities for improvement (OFIs). Our challenge has always been, “How can we better serve?”

One OFI we discovered was communicating to our citizens about changes in the law and deadlines for filing exemptions. In an attempt to help the citizen stay informed, we started using Facebook and Twitter a few years ago. While it seems to have worked well, we are continuing to encourage our citizens to Friend us/Follow us so we can share up-to-date information that will assist the citizens in saving money as well as keeping them informed.

Another OFI came in the form of connecting with our citizens with respect to how crowded the office was during peak times. With the help of Technology Services and the installation of cameras we reclaimed from surplus, we were able to install live video cameras in each location. This has been one of the most popular features on our website.

In 2013, we were faced with some concerns in our Occupational Tax Office. The office wasn’t as secure as we wanted so we sought advice on how we should remodel it. After seeking bids, the lowest bid was approximately $30,000. After discussing it with the leadership team, we reached out to our maintenance facility director, Mike Keeble, for assistance. With his help we were able to reuse some of the cubicle equipment already installed in the office and reuse several pieces of surplus furniture. By the leadership team looking outside the traditional means of remodeling, we were able to streamline and secure the office for less than $500 which resulted in huge savings.

2 HENRY COUNTY TAX COMMISSIONER 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

State of the Office

David CurryTax Commissioner

New Changes in Law:The unpopular “birthday tax” car owners pay ended when Gov. Nathan Deal signed the tax reform bill HB 386 earlier this year. The bill eliminates the annual ad valorem tax car owners pay and the sales tax manufacturers pay for future purchases.

Individuals who purchase a new or used car after March 1, 2013 will no longer have to pay the annual tax, but pay a one-time sales tax up front beginning at 6.5% in 2013 and increasing to 7% by 2015. The new sales tax will take the place of both the purchase sales tax, and the annual ad valorem tax. (Georgia.Gov)

New Technology:This year, Henry County, will be one of the first counties in the state to implement the use of kiosks in retail centers. The kiosk is new to the state and allows the citizens to renew their tags and pay insurance fines while shopping at their local retailer. The use of the kiosk will reduce the hard cost it takes to renew a tag which in turn reduces

the cost to the taxpayer and equally important makes renewing your tag more convenient. Once again proving Henry County has a vision of becoming The Premier Tax Office in the State of Georgia.

Over the last year we have installed new software in the Occupational Tax Office allowing us to communicate with other departments within the county, thereby improving service to the taxpayer. We implemented the use of credit cards for POS in Motor Vehicles (a service we have been blocked from offering because of credit card use guidelines) and there are other projects we have completed to make the experience in the tax office as pleasant as possible.

As I stated earlier, it is and always will be our top priority to seek ways to better serve the citizens of Henry County. I thank you for the opportunity. As I’ve stated in this year’s Annual Report we are working hard to make a positive impact in how we do business in Henry County. If I or my staff can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALYour office always has pleasant clerks even when the wait time is very long. They work fast!! – R. Thrasher

In this day of no customer service, your clerks are outstanding! Keep up the good work! – Calvin

This was a very pleasant experience – very unusual for a county office. – R. Dohan

3 www.henrytc.org

Purpose Accomplishments

Goals

The Henry County Tax Commissioner, as a duly elected constitutional officer, is responsible for billing, collecting and disbursing all monies levied as taxes for the County, School System, Water and Sewerage Authority and City of McDonough as well as the State of Georgia plus collecting fees for the cities of Henry County.

Property taxes, motor vehicle taxes, mobile home taxes, timber taxes and heavy duty equipment taxes are collected and disbursed. Additionally, this office collects excise taxes from the sale of alcohol, distribution of alcohol, hotel/motel rentals and Occupational Tax for businesses operating within the unincorporated area of the county.

The Tax Commissioner serves as the Ex-Officio Sheriff, assuming the total responsibility for collection of delinquent taxes.

VISIONHenry County Tax Commissioner’s Office:The Premier Tax Commissioner’s Office in Georgia.

MISSIONProvide Henry County citizens excellent customer service by helping them understand and meet their responsibilities while applying the tax law with integrity

• Implemented on-line payment website for occupational tax.

• Lobby cameras were installed and active online on the Tax Commissioner’s website to show wait times in real time.

• Both McDonough and Stockbridge Motor Vehicle offices accept credit cards in office.

• Motor vehicle, property tax and occupational tax all have on-line payment options via the Tax Commissioner’s website.

• Provided scholarship opportunities to employees to assist in reaching their educational goals.

• Maintained a collection rate on delinquent taxes for prior years of 99 percent.

• Continue to increase the collection rate of propertytax.• Publish annual Tax Commissioner’s Report.• Participate in new GRATIS System for Motor Vehicles.• Implement credit card system at both office locations.• Continue employee development through cross training

to ensure optimum quality service to taxpayers.• Installation of 3 DMV kiosks in three outlaying areas of

the county.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALA member of your staff provided exceptional customer service filled with a smile, care, professionalism, efficiency, and information. If other staff members display the same level of customer service, the Tax Commissioner’s Office will no doubt achieve its vision of being THE Premier Tax Commissioner’s Office in Georgia. – L. Smith


Table of Contents3

17

5

24

11

25

15

27

16

28

Purpose, Vision, Mission, Goals and Accomplishments

Department of Property Tax

Honoring WWII Veterans

Hotel/Motel Tax

Henry County to Install Tag/Title Kiosks

Important Dates

Department of Motor Vehicles

Occupational Tax

Henry County Business Profile

Locations & Hours

Henry County firefighter, Lieutenant Rodney Brooks, was chosen to sing the National Anthem at the National Fire Protection Association National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lt. Brooks began singing the National Anthem at Stockbridge High School. Lt. Brooks and his singing partner, Captain Mark Ware of the Sandy Springs F.D., were chosen as one of the three finalists who had to be voted on by the public. They garnered the majority of votes after people saw their audition video. This duo has performed together for many years and has even been asked by Governor Nathan Deal to sing for events such as Firefighter Recognition Day, at the state capitol.

Lt. Brooks was born and raised in Henry County. After graduating from Stockbridge High School, he attended Truett-McConnell College and Georgia State University majoring in Music (voice/trumpet.)

He has been employed by H.C.F.D. for 18 years and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2006. He is a proud member of the HCFD Honor Guard and plays Taps for Fire/EMS, Police and Military funerals around the state.

He is employed part-time at Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors as Funeral Support Staff.

His hobbies are spending time with his amazing kids, twelve year-old Jared and nine year-old Carley. He enjoys deer, turkey and dove hunting, fishing, coaching Little League baseball/softball, singing and playing the trumpet.

Congratulations, Lt. Brooks, for a job well done!

DID YOU KNOW?

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WWII veterans living in Henry County are a treasure trove of history, not only from the last Great War, but history of our county as well. This year, 2014, marks the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Invasion of Normandy.

In last year’s Annual Report, Rep. John Yates was featured in our spotlight. This year we will spotlight several brave men who served in WWII in different branches of the military and in very different capacities.

They are quietly living their lives after serving in the last World War but they are heroes to their families as well as to us. Enjoy getting to know our Henry County WWII veterans.

Honoring our WWII VeteransLeon Cofer - U. S. Navy 1944 - 1946

Mr. Cofer was a Navy man who was on the USS Anchor which traveled through the Panama Canal to reach Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was sent from Hawaii to Guam and his ship survived a typhoon during the crossing. He said it happened so fast that there was no time to be scared. He was then stationed in Okinawa for the duration of his service. He served until the peace treaty was signed and then was sent home to be with his family.

• Married to Glinda For 42 years• 1 son - Tairon• 4 grandchildren

The Heritage Park Veterans Museum is dedicated to all veterans and their families and to those that serve now and in the future. The museum is full of vehicles, uniforms, and artifacts, a lasting display of the two Henry County Medal of Honor recipients, and a Henry County Fallen Hero area.

The museum is located at 101 Lake Dow Road McDonough, GA and is open Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.


Honoring our WWII VeteransMilton Clark - U.S. Army 1945 - 1947 Aerial Photographer—Topography

Mr. Clark was stationed in Hawaii and he was sent to Aerial Photography School to learn how to map different areas of the South Pacific so that the Army could strategically plan their courses. He was in a bunker that was located underground and camouflaged with pineapples. He was one of the last groups of men drafted as the war was coming to an end.

• Married to Betty for 70 years.• 2 sons - Tim and Lee• 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren

Wyman Clark - U.S. Army 1944 - 1946 Hospital Unit Mr. Clark was in the Infantry that was trained in specific military strategies for the war in the Pacific. This training was different than was standard for Europe as these were tropical environments. He was stationed on a ship in Pearl Harbor awaiting deployment when the Japanese surrendered so he was sent to the Philippines to serve in a hospital unit as an x-ray technician. His original unit was disbursed and so he was attached to other units as needed until his discharge.

• Married to Mary Francis for 65 years

Interesting note regarding the Clark Brothers: They had another bother, the late J.W., who also served in WWII. Their mother had all three boys in the war with two in the Army and one in the Navy.

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Honoring our WWII VeteransVirgil Weems - U.S. Marines 1943 - 1946 - 25th Marines

Mr. Weems helped to integrate the Marines by becoming one of the 19,000 African-Americans who fought in WWII. In 1943, black drill instructors were used for the first time and Mr. Weems’ D.I. was Mortimer A. Cox, whom he remembers as being very tough. In a then-segregated military, black Marine recruits trained separately at Camp Lejeune in a backwater area called Montford Point. The recruits faced much discrimination as they trained; both from the local citizens as well as within the military itself. Mr. Weems does not dwell on this part of history. He prefers to dwell on the fact that war is a great equalizer and everyone became brothers who took care of each other. The 25th Marines were sent to Guam, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. They were part of the Battle for Hill 382 (Turkey Knob) and the loss of life was massive.

He came home on Good Friday in 1946 and began his life after the war. He has served as a deacon at Shiloh Baptist Church for more than 50 years. He does not see himself as a pioneer during his service but rather as a patriot who served his country to the best of his ability.

John Bartlett Jr. - U.S. Army Signal Corp Cook with the 58th Signal Battalion - 1945 - 1946

After his basic training, Mr. Bartlett was sent on a ship to Japan to an area outside of Hiroshima after the bomb had been dropped on it. He was on a ship that took 31 days to reach Japan instead of the normal 7-10 as they encountered a set of storms that made it necessary to constantly change course to avoid the biggest swells. The men on the ship had to ration ten days of food to last an indefinite amount of time. Upon arrival in Japan, Mr. Bartlett and his battalion saw the aftermath of the bomb. It was catastrophic and unimaginable. He served his time there and was sent home in 1946. He was given a beautiful sword as a gift from a Japanese father for saving his son.

• Based mostly in Kyoto, Japan• Married to the late Hazel Lee for 65 years.• 3 daughters and 3 sons• 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren

• Married to the late Tommie Weems

• 3 children, several grandchildren and a “passel” of great-grandchildren


Honoring our WWII VeteransL.C. Goodman - U.S. Air Force/ U.S. Army 25th Infantry 1943 - 1947

Mr. Goodman was drafted in November 1943 and inducted in January 1944. He trained in Nebraska with the Air Force for a combat unit. He was then assigned to the position of Personnel Company Clerk for the Army as there was a great need and his tests qualified him for the position. He served the majority of his service with the Army. Mr. Goodman was stationed in New York and Fort Benning, GA before finishing his service at Fort Gillem as a government employee for many years. He returned from his service in WWII and has enjoyed his family and his life in Locust Grove.

• Married to Clemmie Goodman• 8 children• Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Jack Turner - U.S. Army/Air Force Combined Unit 1943 - 1945

Mr. Turner trained in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for eight months upon being drafted. He was part of security for the base headquarters and he was also a member of the airbase Squadron. He said “Hawaii was not paradise after the war as the bombing was still evident.” His time there was difficult but he said, “God was always with us.” He returned safely to his family and to meet his baby girl who was twenty-six months old when he saw her for the first time. He returned to his family safely.

• Married to Bonelle for 72 years• 2 daughters - Jackie and Nan • 5 grandsons• 4 great-grandchildren

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Honoring our WWII VeteransJames Irvin - U.S. Army 1943-1945

Mr. Irvin was part of the European campaign that was sent to England and Germany. His unit was sent via the Queen Mary when it was used to move troops across the Atlantic. He was amazed at the speed and maneuverability of the ship. He served with a unit that specialized in setting up troop areas. He served his time and came home to his family safely.

• Married to Joyce for 65 years• 2 sons - Jody & Ricky, 1 daughter - Cherry• 6 grandchildren• 14 great-grandchildren

Geddes Floyd - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1943-1945

Mr. Floyd was part of the Normandy Invasion with his Corps. He had previously been in England as planning for the invasion was in progress. His unit repaired airports, roads and trained while there. He was responsible for the equipment and men who were assigned to set up the camps for the troops as they landed on the beach. Once they were set up, his unit was responsible for locating and disarming mines on the beaches. Mr. Floyd had a varied career as the Corps of Engineers was attached to a variety of units in different countries, which included both the European and Pacific campaigns.

• Married to the late Bobbie for 51 years• Married to the late Mildred for 19 years• 1 son - Edward and a stepdaughter – Barbara• 2 grandsons and 1 granddaughter• 5 great-grandchildren


Honoring our WWII Veterans

Thank you to all of our Veterans who have served and to our active military who are serving now. The Henry County Tax Commissioner’s Office is grateful for your service. – David Curry

11 www.henrytc.org

Annual Motor Vehicle Transactions

ABOUT

The number of total motor vehicle transactions increased due to the TAVT Opt-In period and all titles are now registered at the county level only. The number of tags and amount of TAVT and Ad Valorem taxes collected increased due to more people purchasing new vehicles and casual (person-to-person) sales are now under the TAVT.

SOURCE: Gratis

-

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 $-

$5,000,000.00

$10,000,000.00

$15,000,000.00

$20,000,000.00

$25,000,000.00

$30,000,000.00

$35,000,000.00350

300

250

150

50

200

100

2009 2010 20122011 2013

$32,140,322.38

$19,181,860.00

$18,725,352.00 $17,666,650.00 $16,951,409.00

186

,895

186

,895

186

,895

186

,895

186

,895

162

,967

162

,967

162

,967

162

,967

162

,967

Total motor vehicle transactions includes multiple services performed by clerks involving processing motor vehicle tags, titles and documents

Total number of tags where Ad Valorem taxes are collected

Total revenue collected


2013 Registered Vehicles

Unincorporated: 125,593

City of McDonough: 11,826

City of Stockbridge: 7,501

City of Hampton: 3,963

City of Locust Grove: 3,179

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

Your office has been nothing but very professional, very helpful, very courteous and just plain nice to me for several years. You have a great staff. - D. Roegner

82%

8%

5%

3% 2%

Unicorporated

City of McDonough

City of Stockbridge

City of Hampton

City of Locust Grove

82%

8%

5%3% 2%

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Registered Vehicles as of June 2014

Cars: 123,119 (65.18%)

Trucks: 36,648 (19.40%)

Trailers: 23,413 (12.40%)

Motorcycles: 5,064 (2.68%)

Buses: 641 (0.34%)

COMPARISON

Henry County registered a total of 188,885 vehicles as of June 30, 2014. In comparison, Clayton County registered 190,012 vehicles, Newton County registered 104,560 vehicles, and Spalding registered 62,069 vehicles.

SOURCE: Gratis

65.18%19.40%

2.68% 0.34%

12.40%

Cars

Trucks

Trailers

Motorcycles

Buses


Motor Vehicle Collection & Distribution

ABOUT

Henry County collected a total of $16,874,780.44 in 2013, which was disbursed to each of these entities as indicated.

$83,937.08 State

$160,631.78City

$8,770.04 Hospital

$837,192.20 Water

$1,518,663.52 School Bond

$8,371,922.12 School Maintenance & Operation

$5,893,663.70 County

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

The entire staff was courteous and patient with the kids. They made it a beautiful experience. – S. Blocus

15 www.henrytc.org

Department of Driver Services Kiosks Coming To Henry County

Henry County will be one of the first counties to offer self-service kiosks within the State of Georgia. David Curry, Henry County Tax Commissioner, is very excited to announce that he will be installing up to three kiosks in areas within Henry County. These are areas in the outskirts of the county and will allow taxpayers to renew their Motor Vehicle registrations or Insurance Lapse fees in the convenience of a store they are already visiting. A taxpayer will be able to use his tag number, VIN number or driver’s license to look up his registration. The citizen will then follow the instructions and renew the registration and pay with a credit or debit card. Upon approval, a new registration will print with the new sticker which can be placed on the vehicle immediately. This will be beneficial as the taxpayer will be able renew outside of normal operating hours, opening up a new level of convenience. Once implemented, a citizen MUST renew in their county of residence. The hope is that eventually it will allow for cross county registration. This will become even more important if the Tax Commissioner offices are assigned boat renewals in the future. Another future benefit is that the Department of Driver Services (DDS) could be implemented within the same kiosk and people could renew their driver licenses as well. The DDS office is presently located quite a distance from the tag offices so citizens must plan two different trips for renewals. The combination of the two departments will benefit the Henry County citizens tremendously. Nevada, California, Hawaii, Indiana, South Dakota, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Arkansas and Alaska have successfully implemented the kiosks. The flexibility of non-traditional hours, ease of use and instant registration make the kiosk an exciting addition to Henry County’s commitment to great customer service.


Business Profile: Southern Crescent Technical College Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) recently celebrated the official grand opening of the new 35,000 square foot Henry County Center. The new state-of-the-art facility will be a major addition to the educational infrastructure of Henry County and will bring technical education within range of every resident in the area. The SCTC Henry County Center sits on approximately 25 acres of land located just off GA Highway 81 and Tomlinson Street, built on land donated by the Henry County Board of Education. The Henry County Center houses several general purpose classrooms, a CISCO networking lab and classroom, life science labs, and a unique MRI/CT simulator which will be used for advanced education for graduates already holding Radiography certifications. In addition, programs such as Criminal Justice, Logistics, and Business Management are also offered at this location. Additional programs will be added based on need.

Although many of the programs offered at the SCTC Henry County Center may require some students to attend a portion of their educational experience at another location, many students will be able to begin their education in Henry County, with some able to finish their entire programs locally. Years in the making, the Southern Crescent Technical College Henry County Center has been a true labor of love for both college officials and Henry County business and education supporters alike. Completed in December, this building is the first of eight buildings included in the master plan for the Henry County location. Future facilities include buildings which will create an entire Henry County Campus for Southern Crescent Technical College. If you have questions or are interested in attending Southern Crescent Technical College Henry County Center or any other location, please visit www.sctech.edu or call 770.228.7348.

http://www.sctech.edu

17 www.henrytc.org

Homestead Exemptions

Code Age Exemption Amount

L1 $15,000 $4,000 $0

CountyState, School M&O

School Bond, WaterL2 62 $20,000

$15,000$4,000$0

School M&O, School BondCounty

StateWater

L3 65 $80,000$15,000FULL

School M&O, School BondCounty, Water

StateL6 68 $120,000

$15,000FULL


StateL9 70 FULL

$15,000FULL


StateL12 Totally Disabled (Under 65) $50,000

$15,000$4,000$0

School M&O, School BondCounty

StateWater

L16 Veterans Disabled (Under 65) $64,960$64,960

School M&O, School BondCounty, Water, State & City

L17 Veterans Disabled 65 $80,000$64,960FULL


StateL18 Veterans Disabled 68 $120,000

$64,960FULL


StateL19 Veterans Disabled 70 FULL

$64,960FULL


StateSS Surviving Spouse (Armed Conflict) $64,960

$64,960School M&O, Schol Bond

City, Water, State & City**NO EXEMPTIONS ALLOWED FOR CITY TAXES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF

L16 –L19 VETERANS DISABLED AND SURVIVING SPOUSE*THE FULL STATE EXEMPTION APPLIES TO THE FIRST 10 ACRES ONLY

EXEMPTION AMOUNTS AND CODES

The Tax Commissioner annually mails new homeowners a booklet which contains important tax information about the following:

• Local and state homestead exemptions

• Preferential and conservation exemptions

• Information about other types of property


Homestead Exemptions

37,271

40,40042,989

45,853 46,94248,577 49,737 49,533 48,829

47,44646,034

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

ABOUT

There are many state and local homestead exemptions available, depending upon your eligibility. The Henry County Tax Commissioner’s Office assists taxpayers with determining which one will give them the best benefit. Application must be made in order to receive an exemption. While applications are accepted year round, the deadline for filing homestead exemption for the current tax year is April 1st.

Chart represents total number of exemptions.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

I congratulate you for saving the taxpayers of Henry County money by stuffing several bills into one envelope. It shows me that someone is paying attention to the little things…which makes me suspect the big ones also are. So, GOOD JOB! – J. Hinson

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Mobile Homes in Parks

ABOUT

Mobile homes located on property where the mobile home owners do not own the land are categorized as personal property. When the mobile home owners own the land and the mobile home, they are categorized as real property or residential.

SOURCE: Henry County Tax Assessor, Annual Tax Digest and Thomson-Reuters.

Total amount of taxes collected

Total number of mobile homes locatedwithin parks

1,280

1,300

1,320

1,340

1,360

1,380

1,400

1,420

1,440

1,460

$-

$50,000.00

$100,000.00

$150,000.00

$200,000.00

$250,000.00

$300,000.00

$350,000.00

$400,000.00

2009 2010 20122011 2013

1,4391,433

1,406

1,377

1,341


Parcel Categories

Residential $2,931,131,112.00

Commercial Value $1,251,224,394.00

Industrial $1,048,939,461.00

Utility $126,397,270.00

Agricultural, Preferential and Conservation $103,610,036.00

Figures listed above are from the 2013 tax digest year. Property not considered residential is categorized as either commercial, industrial, utility, agricultural, conservation, or preferential. Commercial property is usually a building or land intended to generate a profit either from capital gain or rental income. An industrial property is normally used for production, manufacturing or distribution.

SOURCE: Gratis

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

We had issues with Florida insurance and getting Georgia insurance. The level of services your clerk gave us was exceptional, and she made our visit extremely easy. – D. Barron

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Net Assessed Property Values

$-

$1,000,000,000

$2,000,000,000

$3,000,000,000

$4,000,000,000

$5,000,000,000

$6,000,000,000

$7,000,000,000

$8,000,000,000

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

ABOUT

This five year history reflects 40 percent net assessed values of property (real, personal, motor vehicle, etc.) less exemptions. The purpose is to show the trend ofnet values.

SOURCE: Henry County Tax Assessor and GeorgiaDepartment of Revenue (PT 32.1 calculations).

County Value

$6,

722,

848,

475

$5,

709,

864,

174

$5,

331,

737,

680

$4,

641,

027,

111

$4,7

15,2

20,7

78


Real & Personal Property Taxes

ABOUT

While actual collections have consistently hovered around 99 percent, this chart clearly shows the reality of how the recession has affected the total amount of taxes levied on real and personal property.

SOURCE: Approved Tax Digest, Thomson-Reutersand General Ledger.

Very Personable, friendly and professional employees - Assets to our county staff! - Paula

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

$230,765,187.00

$201,923,449.00

$187,635,492.00

$169,220,562.33 $171,011,669.00

$0.00

$50,000,000.00

$100,000,000.00

$150,000,000.00

$200,000,000.00

$250,000,000.00

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

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Property Tax Collection Rate

95.15%

96.00%

97.00%

98.00% 98.08%

99.99% 99.99%

99.63%

99.32%

92.00%

93.00%

94.00%

95.00%

96.00%

97.00%

98.00%

99.00%

100.00%

101.00%

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

ABOUT

The tax digest is presented annually to the Georgia Department of Revenue for approval before tax bills are created. This year, the original digest was $172,499,792. The adjusted receivable amount was $171,011,669.

SOURCE: Henry County Tax Assessor, Fiscal Year Digest, Thomson-Reuters.

1 As of June 30, 2014

Amount collected as of June 30, 2014

Amount collected at fiscal year end

95.15%

96.00%

97.00%

98.00%98.08%

99.99%99.99%

99.63%

99.32%

92.00%

93.00%

94.00%

95.00%

96.00%

97.00%

98.00%

99.00%

100.00%

101.00%

20092010

20112012

2013

95.15%

96.00%

97.00%

98.00%98.08%

99.99%99.99%

99.63%

99.32%

92.00%

93.00%

94.00%

95.00%

96.00%

97.00%

98.00%

99.00%

100.00%

101.00%

20092010

20112012

2013


Hotel/Motel Tax

ABOUT

The hotel/motel tax is a levy on public accommodations, charges for promotion of tourism, conventions and trade shows. Amounts collected are based upon reports submitted by hotels and motels located in unincorporated Henry County each year.

TOURISMDespite the recession, hotel/motel tax revenue in unincorporated Henry County has increased by more than 10 percent since 2009, to $251,476.58 in 20131. And more than $16 million dollars in total lodging revenue was generated in 2013 by overnight travelers at Henry County & Convention & Visitors Bureau hotels2. When you add in the secondary expenses of an overnight stay (transportation, meals, shopping, etc), these overnight guests spent an estimated $42 million in Henry County in 2013 alone2.

Such spending by tourists helps to reduce the tax burden of Henry County’s permanent residents. In fact, this tourism revenue equates to savings of about $204 per household in Henry County on state and local taxes each year.

Since 2010, local hotel occupancy has increased by 24 percent and RevPAR (revenue per available room) has increased by 17 percent3. A percentage of this growth can be attributed to the increase in the number and size of youth sports tournaments. In 2013 alone, the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department hosted 34 softball and baseball tournaments, which brought more than 40,000 people and had an economic impact of more than $14 million2.

1Henry County Tax Commissioners Office2Henry County Convention & Visitors Bureau3Smith Travel Research, Inc. Republication or other re-use of this data without the express written permission of STR is strictly prohibited.

$0.00

$50,000.00

$100,000.00

$150,000.00

$200,000.00

$250,000.00

$300,000.00

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

25 www.henrytc.org

Occupational Tax & Alcohol Licenses

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

I wish we had known it was this easy (to renew) online including emailing a business license. Great guest service. – G. Hawkins

ABOUT

Alcohol Licenses are issued upon approval by the county to any person wishing to obtain a retail license for the sale of alcohol beverages. A 3 percent Excise Tax is collected on distilled spirits sold by the drink. Wholesale fees are an excise tax levied on any person/business who sells beer, wine or distilled spirits to retail dealers or wholesale dealers.

49%

11%3%

37%

Wholesale: $819,639

3% Excise Tax: $74,532

Alcohol: $233,250

Occupational Tax Certificates: $1,090,948

49%

11%3%

37% 1

2

3

4


Occupational Tax Certificates Issued

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

Often we take such acts for granted and good service is not recognized, but I said I had to let you know how much I appreciate you for your ability to recognize and select the proper candidates for this position as well as how much I appreciate her time and attention. - A. Barnes

ABOUT

Occupational tax certificates are issued to commercial, retail and home based businesses. Fees are determined by type of business and according to gross receipts.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Total number of certificates issued

Total amount of occupational tax fees collected

50954791 4731

4453

3757

27 www.henrytc.org

Important DatesMOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION DATES

• Motor vehicle registration expires at midnight on the (first) titled owner’s birthday.

• Business or enterprise registrations expire at midnight on the last day of the month shown on the license plate or the decal.

• Leased vehicles are registered by the lessee’s birthday.

OCCUPATIONAL TAX/BUSINESS LICENSES

• January 1: Renewals are due.

PROPERTY TAX DATES

• January 1- April 1: Property tax returns accepted (in the Tax Assessor’s office). Applications for Freeport and special land exemptions accepted (in the Tax Assessor’s office).

• April 1: Deadline for filing homestead exemption for the current tax year (applications are accepted year round).

• May 1: Personal Property Mobile Home taxes due.

• May 9: Assessment notices mailed by the Tax Assessor’s Office.

• September 16: Tax bills mailed to property owners.

• November 16: Deadline for property tax payment.

INTEREST & PENALTY DATES

• April 1: 10% Penalty on Occupational Tax renewals.

• May 2: 10% Penalty on delinquent mobile home bills.

• November 17: Interest begins accruing on delinquent property tax bills.

• February 17: 10% Penalty applied on delinquent Property Tax bills. Liens (Fifa’s) filed on delinquent Property Tax bills

You may download the 2013 Annual Report, in electronic format, from the Henry

County Tax Commissioner website: www.henrytc.org


Locations & HoursMCDONOUGH OFFICE140 Henry ParkwayMcDonough, GA 30253Tel: (770) 288-8180Fax: (770) 288-8190

Motor Vehicle/Tag Office Hours :Monday and Thursday 8:00 am – 6:30 pmTuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Property Tax and Occupational Tax hours :Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

STOCKBRIDGE OFFICE164 Burke StreetStockbridge, GA 30281Tel: (770) 288-8180Fax: (770) 288-8189

Motor Vehicle/Tag Office Hours :Monday and Thursday 8:00 am – 6:30 pmTuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Property Tax hours:Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

Mr. Curry, I am impressed that you care enough about the people of Henry County to follow up with me yourself. It says a lot about your character which let’s face it, we need more of in our government. You obviously care about Customer Service. – B. Harrison

29 www.henrytc.org

henry county tax commissioner's annual report

Documents

annual tax

occupational tax office

new sales tax

purchase sales tax

sales tax manufacturers

onetime sales tax

tax reform bill hb

office wasnt