What follows is some highly informative material about the state taxes of Georgia. The most basic state tax laws of Georgia are as given below.

1. Sales Tax

If you want to live in Georgia, sales tax will have a great deal of impact on you. In fact, it will be the first tax you will ever think about. The current sales tax in Georgia is four percent. However, groceries, prescription drugs, and medical items are devoid of use or sales tax.

Simultaneously, Georgia imposes additional sales tax on special purpose local option tax, educational local option tax, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) tax, local option tax, or homestead local option tax. Those who have visited Atlanta or reside there have to pay an additional one percent municipal option sales tax.

2. Income Tax

In Georgia, there are six income tax rates for six groups of income. The residents of Georgia need to know about these rates because they have a direct impact on them. These tax rates are from 1-6 percent.
A clause in this income tax law however permits taxpayers of Peach State to avoid paying taxes on certain parts of their retirement income. The six categories of Georgia income tax are as follows.

One percent for a taxable income of 0
Two percent for a taxable income of 1-2,250
Three percent for a taxable income of ,251-3,750
Four percent for a taxable income of ,751-5,250
Five percent for a taxable income of ,251-7,000
Six percent for a taxable income of more than ,000

Married couples who jointly file taxes, single parents, and the lead members of families have to follow the same rates. However their income brackets begin at 00 for one percent and end at ,000 for six percent.

In Georgia, income tax returns have to paid by April 15 of the financial year. However, if the due date comes on a holiday or a weekend, it could be adjusted or extended for the benefit of the taxpayers.

3. Tax Deductions

Taxpayers above the age of 62 and those who are either totally or permanently disabled have a ,000 tax deduction on their retirement income from the year 2005. This tax deduction was raised to ,000 in 2007. The following year, it was again raised to ,000. In addition, people who earn less than ,000 can also avail of a low income tax credit.

Georgia is devoid of estate and inheritance taxes. If you visit the official website of the State of Georgia, you can read more information regarding the state taxes.