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Suwanee, Georgia homeowners may soon get meaningful property tax relief, thanks to new legislation moving through the Georgia General Assembly. State Representative Matt Reeves (R-Duluth) announced the passage of House Bill 1074 (HB 1074), a local measure that would allow voters in the Suwanee to decide on a new homeowner homestead exemption during a November 2026 referendum.
If approved by voters, the measure would provide a $15,000 annual homestead exemption from Suwanee’s municipal property taxes—higher than the current Gwinnett County homestead exemption—offering direct savings to local homeowners.
What HB 1074 Means for Suwanee Homeowners
HB 1074 authorizes the City of Suwanee to implement a property tax homestead exemption specifically for owner-occupied primary residences within city limits. The legislation was unanimously requested by the Suwanee Mayor and City Council, signaling strong local government support.
According to Rep. Reeves, the goal is simple: help families stay in their homes and keep more of their money.
“Homeownership is one of the most important investments a family can make, and this legislation is about helping Suwanee residents keep more of their hard-earned money in their own homes,” said Reeves. “This referendum would give voters the chance to approve property tax relief that exceeds the current county homestead amount and delivers real savings.”
Suwanee Property Tax Relief FAQ (HB 1074)
Quick answers about the proposed $15,000 homestead exemption for City of Suwanee municipal property taxes, headed to a November 2026 referendum.
What is HB 1074?
HB 1074 is local legislation that authorizes a November 2026 referendum for Suwanee voters to decide on a $15,000 homestead exemption from City of Suwanee ad valorem (property) taxes for municipal purposes.
What is a homestead exemption?
A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. If approved, Suwanee would reduce the taxable value by $15,000 for the city’s municipal tax calculation (not the entire bill).
Does this lower school taxes or county property taxes?
No. This exemption is for City of Suwanee municipal taxes only. It does not change school taxes or Gwinnett County taxes. Your bill has multiple portions—this affects only the city portion if you live inside Suwanee city limits.
Who qualifies for the Suwanee homestead exemption?
Generally, you must own and occupy the home as your primary residence and the property must be within Suwanee city limits. Final application details follow Georgia homestead rules and the city’s procedures.
How is this different from the Gwinnett County homestead exemption?
The proposed Suwanee exemption is $15,000 and is described as higher than the county homestead amount. It applies to City of Suwanee municipal taxes. County and school exemptions remain separate.
How much money will I actually save?
Savings depend on your home’s assessed value and Suwanee’s municipal millage rate. The $15,000 exemption lowers the taxable value used to compute the city portion of your tax bill, which typically results in a lower annual city tax amount.
When is the referendum vote?
The referendum is scheduled for November 2026.
When would the exemption take effect if voters approve it?
If approved, implementation follows the bill’s effective dates and city procedures required under Georgia law. The City of Suwanee will publish the timeline and application process once finalized.
What if I rent my home or own a second home in Suwanee?
Homestead exemptions typically apply to primary, owner-occupied residences. Rental properties and second homes usually do not qualify.
What should Suwanee homeowners do now?
- Watch for updates from the City of Suwanee and elections officials.
- Confirm whether your home is in Suwanee city limits (city portion of your tax bill).
- Plan to vote in November 2026.
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How Much Could Suwanee Residents Save?
While exact savings will vary based on a home’s assessed value and millage rate, a $15,000 homestead exemption typically results in lower annual municipal property tax bills for qualifying homeowners.
For Suwanee residents:
- ✅ Applies only to City of Suwanee municipal taxes
- ✅ Applies to primary residences
- ✅ Does not reduce county or school taxes
- ✅ Would take effect only if approved by voters in 2026
A Track Record of Property Tax Relief in Gwinnett County
HB 1074 marks the sixth homeowner property tax relief effort championed by Rep. Reeves since taking office. His previous work includes:
- Sugar Hill homestead exemption (2024)
- Gwinnett County homestead relief measures (2024 & 2026)
- A proposal to raise Georgia’s state minimum homestead exemption
- Support for House Speaker Jon Burns’ statewide homeowner relief legislation
This consistent focus has positioned Reeves as a leading advocate for property tax relief in Gwinnett County.
Legislative Status of HB 1074
Here’s where the bill currently stands:
- House Passed: February 6, 2026 (165–0 vote)
- Senate Read and Referred: February 9, 2026
- House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination
- Senate Committee: State and Local Governmental Operations
The bill now moves through the Senate process before heading toward the 2026 ballot.
About Representative Matt Reeves
Representative Reeves serves District 99, representing parts of Suwanee, Sugar Hill, and Duluth. He currently holds several leadership roles, including:
- Chairman, House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Insurance Rates
- Vice Chairman, House Judiciary Committee
- Member, Appropriations and Insurance Committees
He was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2022.
What Suwanee Residents Should Do Next
Suwanee homeowners should:
- Stay informed as HB 1074 advances in the Senate
- Watch for public information sessions from the City of Suwanee
- Prepare to vote in November 2026, when the homestead exemption referendum appears on the ballot
If approved, this measure could become one of the most impactful property tax relief initiatives for Suwanee homeowners in recent years.
FAQs
Suwanee Property Tax Relief FAQ (HB 1074)
What is HB 1074?
HB 1074 is local legislation sponsored by Matt Reeves that would allow voters in the Suwanee to decide on a new $15,000 homestead exemption for municipal property taxes.
What is a homestead exemption?
A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of an owner-occupied primary residence. If approved, Suwanee homeowners would subtract $15,000 from their home’s assessed value for city taxes only.
How is this different from the Gwinnett County homestead exemption?
The proposed Suwanee exemption is higher than the Gwinnett County homestead amount and applies in addition to any county or school exemptions—though only for City of Suwanee municipal taxes.
Who qualifies for the Suwanee homestead exemption?
- You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence
- The property must be within Suwanee city limits
- Other eligibility rules will follow Georgia’s standard homestead guidelines
Does this reduce school or county property taxes?
No. The exemption applies only to Suwanee’s municipal portion of your property tax bill. County and school taxes are unchanged.
How much money could homeowners save?
Savings vary by home value and the city’s millage rate, but a $15,000 exemption typically results in lower annual city property taxes for qualifying homeowners.
When would voters decide?
The homestead exemption would appear on the November 2026 ballot as a local referendum for Suwanee voters.
When would the exemption take effect if approved?
If voters approve the referendum, the exemption would take effect according to the bill’s implementation schedule set by the City of Suwanee, following constitutional and legal requirements.
Why was this legislation introduced?
The Suwanee Mayor and City Council unanimously requested the legislation to help homeowners offset rising costs and keep housing affordable within the city.
Has similar property tax relief been approved elsewhere in Gwinnett?
Yes. Rep. Reeves has supported multiple homestead relief measures across Gwinnett County, including Sugar Hill and countywide initiatives in prior years.
What happens if the referendum fails?
If voters do not approve the measure in 2026, the Suwanee homestead exemption will not be implemented, and current tax rules will remain in place.
Where can I read the full bill text?
The complete text of HB 1074 is available through the Georgia General Assembly’s official website.
What should Suwanee homeowners do now?
- Stay informed through City of Suwanee updates
- Watch for public meetings or voter education materials
- Plan to vote in November 2026
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