Rockdale County’s new Tax Commissioner, RJ Hadley, is reminding motorists ofHouse Bill 386, which calls for a new taxation method for motor vehicles purchased and titled in Georgia effective March 1, 2013.

Vehicles purchased and titled on or after March 1 in Georgia will be exempt from sales and use tax and the annual ad valorem tax, also known as the “birthday tax,” and replaced by a new one-time ad valorem title tax (TAVT) based on the value of the vehicle.

Car owners who purchased and tiled vehicles between Jan. 1, 2012 and March 1, 2013 may also be eligible to opt into the new one-time ad valorem tax.

Trailers, pull-behind campers and older model vehicles that do not have a current Georgia title are not qualified for the new TAVT option, and have to continue to pay the annual ad valorem tax. “The state law requires a big change in how we handle motor vehicle taxation after March 1st,” said Hadley in reference to House Bill 386. “We want to inform the community now and be sure they are ready.” Title and car registration information can be handled through the County Tax Commissioner’s office.

Rockdale residents should visit rockdalecounty.org or call Rockdale County’s Tax Commissioner’s office at 770-278-7600 for more information about this new one time tax.