GA SB234

Reduces the interest rate on past-due ad valorem property taxes from 1 percent per month to 0.5 percent per month, while maintaining the 1 percent rate for all other state and local taxes

Eliminates the transfer of tax executions to third parties after the effective date, while tightening notice and due diligence requirements for previously transferred executions, including mandatory certified mail and internet-based address searches

Extensively revises the ad valorem tax assessment appeal process by establishing stricter timelines for county boards of tax assessors (180 days, with extensions), expanding hearing officer eligibility to nonhomestead properties valued over $1 million and contiguous parcels, and allowing taxpayers to recover attorney's fees and litigation costs when the final value is determined to be 80 percent or less (commercial) or 85 percent or less (other property) of the board's valuation

Requires real estate transfer tax disclosure forms to separately show the fair market value of real and personal property conveyed, shortens the county/municipal tax refund claim response period from one year to 180 days, and prohibits tax commissioners from contracting directly with municipalities for compensation

Applies to ad valorem tax years beginning January 1, 2013, and forward, and temporarily suspends (through December 31, 2014) state penalties against counties for deviations from required assessment ratios on tax digests