Section 48-5C-1. Definitions; exemption from taxation; allocation and disbursement of proceeds collected by tag agents; fair market value of vehicle appealable; report

   (a) As used in this Code section, the term:

   (1) "Fair market value of the motor vehicle" means:

      (A) For a used motor vehicle, the average of the current fair market value and the current wholesale value of a motor vehicle for a vehicle listed in the current motor vehicle ad valorem assessment manual utilized by the state revenue commissioner and based upon a nationally recognized motor vehicle industry pricing guide for fair market and wholesale market values in determining the taxable value of a motor vehicle under Code Section 48-5-442, and, in the case of a used car dealer, less any reduction for the trade-in value of another motor vehicle;

      (B) For a used motor vehicle which is not so listed in such current motor vehicle ad valorem assessment manual, the value from the bill of sale or the value from a reputable used car market guide designated by the commissioner, whichever is greater, and, in the case of a used car dealer, less any reduction for the trade-in value of another motor vehicle;

      (C) Upon written application and supporting documentation submitted by an applicant under this Code section, a county tag agent may deviate from the fair market value as defined in subparagraph (A) or (B) of this paragraph based upon mileage and condition of the used vehicle. Supporting documentation may include, but not be limited to, bill of sale, odometer statement, and values from reputable pricing guides. The fair market value as determined by the county tag agent pursuant to this subparagraph shall be appealable as provided in subsection (e) of this Code section; or

      (D) For a new motor vehicle, the greater of the retail selling price or, in the case of a lease of a new motor vehicle, the agreed upon value of the vehicle pursuant to the lease agreement or the average of the current fair market value and the current wholesale value of a motor vehicle for a vehicle listed in the current motor vehicle ad valorem assessment manual utilized by the state revenue commissioner in determining the taxable value of a motor vehicle under Code Section 48-5-442, less any reduction for the trade-in value of another motor vehicle and any rebate or any cash discounts provided by the selling dealer and taken at the time of sale. The retail selling price or agreed upon value shall include any charges for labor, freight, delivery, dealer fees, and similar charges and dealer add-ons and mark-ups, but shall not include any extended warranty or maintenance agreement itemized on the dealer's invoice to the customer or any finance, insurance, and interest charges for deferred payments billed separately.

   (2) "Immediate family member" means spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild.

   (3) "Loaner vehicle" means a motor vehicle owned by a dealer which is withdrawn temporarily from dealer inventory for exclusive use as a courtesy vehicle loaned at no charge for a period not to exceed 30 days within a 366 day period to any one customer whose motor vehicle is being serviced by such dealer.

   (4) "Rental charge" means the total value received by a rental motor vehicle concern for the rental or lease for 31 or fewer consecutive days of a rental motor vehicle, including the total cash and nonmonetary consideration for the rental or lease, including, but not limited to, charges based on time or mileage and charges for insurance coverage or collision damage waiver but excluding all charges for motor fuel taxes or sales and use taxes.

   (5) "Rental motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle designed to carry 15 or fewer passengers and used primarily for the transportation of persons that is rented or leased without a driver.

   (6) "Rental motor vehicle concern" means a person or legal entity which owns or leases five or more rental motor vehicles and which regularly rents or leases such vehicles to the public for value.

   (7) "Trade-in value" means the value of the motor vehicle as stated in the bill of sale for a vehicle which has been traded in to the dealer in a transaction involving the purchase of another vehicle from the dealer.

(b) (1) (A) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, any motor vehicle for which a title is issued in this state on or after March 1, 2013, shall be exempt from sales and use taxes to the extent provided under paragraph (95) of Code Section 48-8-3 and shall not be subject to the ad valorem tax as otherwise required under Chapter 5 of this title. Any such motor vehicle shall be titled as otherwise required under Title 40 but shall be subject to a state title fee and a local title fee which shall be alternative ad valorem taxes as authorized by Article VII, Section I, Paragraph III(b)(3) of the Georgia Constitution. Motor vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan shall not be subject to state and local title ad valorem tax fees but shall continue to be subject to apportioned ad valorem taxation under Article 10 of Chapter 5 of this title.

      (B) (i) As used in this subparagraph, the term:

            (I) "Local base amount" means $1 billion.

            (II) "Local current collection amount" means the total amount of sales and use taxes on the sale of motor vehicles under Chapter 8 of this title and motor vehicle local ad valorem tax proceeds under this Code section and Chapter 5 of this title which were collected during the calendar year which immediately precedes the tax year in which the title ad valorem tax adjustments are required to be made under this subparagraph.

            (III) "Local target collection amount" means an amount equal to the local base amount added to the product of 2 percent of the local base amount multiplied by the number of years since 2012 with a maximum amount of $1.2 billion.

            (IV) "State base amount" means $535 million.

            (V) "State current collection amount" means the total amount of sales and use taxes on the sale of motor vehicles under Chapter 8 of this title and motor vehicle state ad valorem tax proceeds under this Code section and Chapter 5 of this title which were collected during the calendar year which immediately precedes the tax year in which the state and local title ad valorem tax rate is to be reviewed for adjustment under division (xiv) of this subparagraph. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this subdivision to the contrary, the term "state current collection amount" for the 2014 calendar year for the purposes of the 2015 review under division (xiv) of this subparagraph shall be adjusted so that such amount is equal to the amount of motor vehicle state ad valorem tax proceeds that would have been collected under this Code section in 2014 if the combined state and local title ad valorem tax rate was 7 percent of the fair market value of the motor vehicle less any trade-in value plus the total amount of motor vehicle state ad valorem tax proceeds collected under Chapter 5 of this title during 2014.

            (VI) "State target collection amount" means an amount equal to the state base amount added to the product of 2 percent of the state base amount multiplied by the number of years since 2012.

         (ii) The combined state and local title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to:

            (I) For the period commencing March 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013, 6.5 percent of the fair market value of the motor vehicle;

            (II) For the 2014 tax year, 6.75 percent of the fair market value of the motor vehicle; and

            (III) Except as provided in division (xiv) of this subparagraph, for the 2015 and subsequent tax years, 7 percent of the fair market value of the motor vehicle.

         (iii) For the period commencing March 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013, the state title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 57 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph, and the local title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 43 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph.

         (iv) For the 2014 tax year, the state title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 55 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph, and the local title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 45 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph.

         (v) For the 2015 tax year, the state title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 55 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph, and the local title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 45 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph.

         (vi) For the 2016 tax year, except as otherwise provided in division (xiii) of this subparagraph, the state title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 53.5 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph, and the local title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 46.5 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph.

         (vii) For the 2017 tax year, except as otherwise provided in divisions (xiii) and (xiv) of this subparagraph, the state title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 44 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph, and the local title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 56 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph.

         (viii) For the 2018 tax year, except as otherwise provided in division (xiii) of this subparagraph, the state title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 40 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph, and the local title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 60 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph.

         (ix) For the 2019 tax year, except as otherwise provided in divisions (xiii) and (xiv) of this subparagraph, the state title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 36 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph, and the local title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 64 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph.

         (x) For the 2020 tax year, except as otherwise provided in division (xiii) of this subparagraph, the state title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 34 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph, and the local title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 66 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph.

         (xi) For the 2021 tax year, except as otherwise provided in division (xiii) of this subparagraph, the state title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 30 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph, and the local title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 70 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph.

         (xii) For the 2022 and all subsequent tax years, except as otherwise provided in division (xiii) of this subparagraph for tax years 2022, 2023, and 2024 and except as otherwise provided in division (xiv) of this subparagraph for tax year 2023, the state title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 28 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph, and the local title ad valorem tax shall be at a rate equal to 72 percent of the tax rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph.

         (xiii) Beginning in 2016, by not later than January 15 of each tax year through the 2022 tax year, the state revenue commissioner shall determine the local target collection amount and the local current collection amount for the preceding calendar year. If such local current collection amount is equal to or within 1 percent of the local target collection amount, then the state title ad valorem tax rate and the local title ad valorem tax rate for such tax year shall remain at the rate specified in this subparagraph for that year. If the local current collection amount is more than 1 percent greater than the local target collection amount, then the local title ad valorem tax rate for such tax year shall be reduced automatically by operation of this division by such percentage amount as may be necessary so that, if such rate had been in effect for the calendar year under review, the local current collection amount would have produced an amount equal to the local target collection amount, and the state title ad valorem tax rate for such tax year shall be increased by an equal amount to maintain the combined state and local title ad valorem tax rate at the rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph. If the local current collection amount is more than 1 percent less than the local target collection amount, then the local title ad valorem tax rate for such tax year shall be increased automatically by operation of this division by such percentage amount as may be necessary so that, if such rate had been in effect for the calendar year under review, the local current collection amount would have produced an amount equal to the local target collection amount, and the state title ad valorem tax rate for such tax year shall be reduced by an equal amount to maintain the combined state and local title ad valorem tax rate at the rate specified in division (ii) of this subparagraph. In the event of an adjustment of such ad valorem tax rates, by not later than January 31 of such tax year, the state revenue commissioner shall notify the tax commissioner of each county in this state of the adjusted rate amounts. The effective date of such adjusted rate amounts shall be January 1 of such tax year.

         (xiv) In tax years 2015, 2018, and 2022, by not later than July 1 of each such tax year, the state revenue commissioner shall determine the state target collection amount and the state current collection amount for the preceding calendar year. If such state current collection amount is greater than, equal to, or within 1 percent of the state target collection amount after making the adjustment, if any, required in division (xiii) of this subparagraph, then the combined state and local title ad valorem tax rate provided in division (ii) of this subparagraph shall remain at the rate specified in such division. If the state current collection amount is more than 1 percent less than the state target collection amount after making the adjustment, if any, required by division (xiii) of this subparagraph, then the combined state and local title ad valorem tax rate provided in division (ii) of this subparagraph shall be increased automatically by operation of this division by such percentage amount as may be necessary so that, if such rate had been in effect for the calendar year under review, the state current collection amount would have produced an amount equal to the state target collection amount, and the state title ad valorem tax rate and the local title ad valorem tax rate for the tax year in which such increase in the combined state and local title ad valorem tax rate shall become effective shall be adjusted from the rates specified in this subparagraph or division (xiii) of this subparagraph for such tax year such that the proceeds from such increase in the combined state and local title ad valorem tax rate shall be allocated in full to the state. In the event of an adjustment of the combined state and local title ad valorem tax rate, by not later than August 31 of such tax year, the state revenue commissioner shall notify the tax commissioner of each county in this state of the adjusted combined state and local title ad valorem tax rate for the next calendar year. The effective date of such adjusted combined state and local title ad valorem tax rate shall be January 1 of the next calendar year. Notwithstanding the provisions of this division, the combined state and local title ad valorem tax rate shall not exceed 9 percent.

         (xv) The state revenue commissioner shall promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary and appropriate to implement and administer this Code section, including, but not limited to, rules and regulations regarding appropriate public notification of any changes in rate amounts and the effective date of such changes and rules and regulations regarding appropriate enforcement and compliance procedures and methods for the implementation and operation of this Code section. The state revenue commissioner may promulgate and implement rules and regulations as may be necessary to permit seller financed sales of used vehicles to be assessed 2.5 percentage points less than the rate specified in division (b)(1)(B)(ii) of this Code section.

      (C) The application for title and the state and local title ad valorem tax fees provided for in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall be paid to the tag agent in the county where the motor vehicle is to be registered and shall be paid at the time the application for a certificate of title is submitted or, in the case of an electronic title transaction, at the time when the electronic title transaction is finalized. In an electronic title transaction, the state and local title ad valorem tax fees shall be remitted electronically directly to the county tag agent. A dealer of new or used motor vehicles may accept such application for title and state and local title ad valorem tax fees on behalf of the purchaser of a new or used motor vehicle for the purpose of submitting or, in the case of an electronic title application, finalizing such title application and remitting state and local title ad valorem tax fees.

      (D) There shall be a penalty imposed on any person who, in the determination of the commissioner, falsifies any information in any bill of sale used for purposes of determining the fair market value of the motor vehicle. Such penalty shall not exceed $2,500.00 as a state penalty and shall not exceed $2,500.00 as a local penalty as determined by the commissioner. Such determination shall be made within 60 days of the commissioner receiving information of a possible violation of this paragraph.

      (E) Except in the case in which an extension of the registration period has been granted by the county tag agent under Code Section 40-2-20, a dealer of new or used motor vehicles that accepts an application for title and state and local title ad valorem tax fees from a purchaser of a new or used motor vehicle and does not submit or, in the case of an electronic title transaction, finalize such application for title and remit such state and local title ad valorem tax fees to the county tag agent within 30 days following the date of purchase shall be liable to the county tag agent for an amount equal to 5 percent of the amount of such state and local title ad valorem tax fees. An additional penalty equal to 10 percent of the amount of such state and local title ad valorem tax fees shall be imposed if such payment is not transmitted within 60 days following the date of purchase. An additional penalty equal to 15 percent of the amount of such state and local title ad valorem tax fees shall be imposed if such payment is not transmitted within 90 days following the date of purchase, and an additional penalty equal to 20 percent of the amount of such state and local title ad valorem tax fees shall be imposed if such payment is not transmitted within 120 days following the date of purchase. An additional penalty equal to 25 percent of the amount of such state and local title ad valorem tax fees shall be imposed for each subsequent 30 day period in which the payment is not transmitted.

      (F) A dealer of new or used motor vehicles that accepts an application for title and state and local title ad valorem tax fees from a purchaser of a new or used motor vehicle and converts such fees to his or her own use shall be guilty of theft by conversion and, upon conviction, shall be punished as provided in Code Section 16-8-12.

   (2) A person or entity acquiring a salvage title pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 40-3-36 shall not be subject to the fee specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection but shall be subject to a state title ad valorem tax fee in an amount equal to 1 percent of the fair market value of the motor vehicle. Such state title ad valorem tax fee shall be an alternative ad valorem tax as authorized by Article VII, Section I, Paragraph III(b)(3) of the Georgia Constitution.

(c) (1) The amount of proceeds collected by tag agents each month as state and local title ad valorem tax fees, state salvage title ad valorem tax fees, administrative fees, penalties, and interest pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section shall be allocated and disbursed as provided in this subsection.

   (2) For the 2013 tax year and in each subsequent tax year, the amount of such funds shall be disbursed within 20 days following the end of each calendar month as follows:

      (A) State title ad valorem tax fees, state salvage title ad valorem tax fees, administrative fees, penalties, and interest shall be remitted to the state revenue commissioner who shall deposit such proceeds in the general fund of the state less an amount to be retained by the tag agent not to exceed 1 percent of the total amount otherwise required to be remitted under this subparagraph to defray the cost of administration. Such retained amount shall be remitted to the collecting county's general fund. Failure by the tag agent to disburse within such 20 day period shall result in a forfeiture of such administrative fee plus interest on such amount at the rate specified in Code Section 48-2-40; and

      (B) Local title ad valorem tax fees, administrative fees, penalties, and interest shall be designated as local government ad valorem tax funds. The tag agent shall then distribute the proceeds as specified in paragraph (3) of this subsection.

   (3) The local title ad valorem tax fee proceeds required under this subsection shall be distributed as follows:

      (A) The tag agent of the county shall within 20 days following the end of each calendar month allocate and distribute to the county governing authority and to municipal governing authorities, the board of education of the county school district, and the board of education of any independent school district located in such county an amount of those proceeds necessary to offset any reduction in ad valorem tax on motor vehicles collected under Chapter 5 of this title in the taxing jurisdiction of each governing authority and school district from the amount of ad valorem taxes on motor vehicles collected under Chapter 5 of this title in each such governing authority and school district during the same calendar month of 2012. This reduction shall be calculated by subtracting the amount of ad valorem tax on motor vehicles collected under Chapter 5 of this title in each such taxing jurisdiction from the amount of ad valorem tax on motor vehicles collected under Chapter 5 of this title in that taxing jurisdiction in the same calendar month of 2012. In the event that the local title ad valorem tax fee proceeds are insufficient to fully offset such reduction in ad valorem taxes on motor vehicles, the tag agent shall allocate a proportionate amount of the proceeds to each governing authority and to the board of education of each such school district, and any remaining shortfall shall be paid from the following month's local title ad valorem tax fee proceeds. In the event that a shortfall remains, the tag agent shall continue to first allocate local title ad valorem tax fee proceeds to offset such shortfalls until the shortfall has been fully repaid; and

      (B) Of the proceeds remaining following the allocation and distribution under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the tag agent shall allocate and distribute to the county governing authority and to municipal governing authorities, the board of education of the county school district, and the board of education of any independent school district located in such county the remaining amount of those proceeds in the manner provided in this subparagraph. Such proceeds shall be deposited in the general fund of such governing authority or board of education and shall not be subject to any use or expenditure requirements provided for under any of the following described local sales and use taxes but shall be authorized to be expended in the same manner as authorized for the ad valorem tax revenues on motor vehicles under Chapter 5 of this title which would otherwise have been collected for such governing authority or board of education. Of such remaining proceeds:

         (i) An amount equal to one-third of such proceeds shall be distributed to the board of education of the county school district and the board of education of each independent school district located in such county in the same manner as required for any local sales and use tax for educational purposes levied pursuant to Part 2 of Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title currently in effect. If such tax is not currently in effect, such proceeds shall be distributed to such board or boards of education in the same manner as if such tax were in effect;

         (ii) (I) Except as otherwise provided in this division, an amount equal to one-third of such proceeds shall be distributed to the governing authority of the county and the governing authority of each qualified municipality located in such county in the same manner as specified under the distribution certificate for the joint county and municipal sales and use tax under Article 2 of Chapter 8 of this title currently in effect.

            (II) If such tax were never in effect, such proceeds shall be distributed to the governing authority of the county and the governing authority of each qualified municipality located in such county on a pro rata basis according to the ratio of the population that each such municipality bears to the population of the entire county.

            (III) If such tax is currently in effect as well as a local option sales and use tax for educational purposes levied pursuant to a local constitutional amendment, an amount equal to one-third of such proceeds shall be distributed in the same manner as required under subdivision (I) of this division and an amount equal to one-third of such proceeds shall be distributed to the board of education of the county school district.

            (IV) If such tax is not currently in effect and a local option sales and use tax for educational purposes levied pursuant to a local constitutional amendment is currently in effect, such proceeds shall be distributed to the board of education of the county school district and the board of education of any independent school district in the same manner as required under that local constitutional amendment.

            (V) If such tax is not currently in effect and a homestead option sales and use tax under Article 2A of Chapter 8 of this title is in effect, such proceeds shall be distributed to the governing authority of the county, each qualified municipality, and each existing municipality in the same proportion as otherwise required under Code Section 48-8-104; and

         (iii) (I) An amount equal to one-third of such proceeds shall be distributed to the governing authority of the county and the governing authority of each qualified municipality located in such county in the same manner as specified under an intergovernmental agreement or as otherwise required under the county special purpose local option sales and use tax under Part 1 of Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title currently in effect; provided, however, that this subdivision shall not apply if subdivision (III) of division (ii) of this subparagraph is applicable.

            (II) If such tax were in effect but expired and is not currently in effect, such proceeds shall be distributed to the governing authority of the county and the governing authority of each qualified municipality located in such county in the same manner as if such tax were still in effect according to the intergovernmental agreement or as otherwise required under the county special purpose local sales and use tax under Part 1 of Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title for the 12 month period commencing at the expiration of such tax. If such tax is not renewed prior to the expiration of such 12 month period, such amount shall be distributed in accordance with subdivision (I) of division (ii) of this subparagraph; provided, however, that if a tax under Article 2 of Chapter 8 of this title is not in effect, such amount shall be distributed in accordance with subdivision (II) of division (ii) of this subparagraph.

            (III) If such tax is not currently in effect in a county in which a tax is levied for purposes of a metropolitan area system of public transportation, as authorized by the amendment to the Constitution set out at Ga. L. 1964, p. 1008; the continuation of such amendment under Article XI, Section I, Paragraph IV(d) of the Constitution; and the laws enacted pursuant to such constitutional amendment, such proceeds shall be distributed to the governing body of the authority created by local Act to operate such metropolitan area system of public transportation.

            (IV) If such tax were never in effect, such proceeds shall be distributed in the same manner as specified under the distribution certificate for the joint county and municipal sales and use tax under Article 2 of Chapter 8 of this title currently in effect; provided, however, that if such tax under such article is not in effect, such proceeds shall be distributed to the governing authority of the county and the governing authority of each qualified municipality located in such county on a pro rata basis according to the ratio of the population that each such municipality bears to the population of the entire county.

(d) (1) (A) Upon the death of an owner of a motor vehicle which has not become subject to paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section, the immediate family member or immediate family members of such owner who receive such motor vehicle pursuant to a will or under the rules of inheritance shall, subsequent to the transfer of title of such motor vehicle, continue to be subject to ad valorem tax under Chapter 5 of this title and shall not be subject to the state and local title ad valorem tax fees provided for in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section unless the immediate family member or immediate family members make an affirmative written election to become subject to paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section. In the event of such election, such transfer shall be subject to the state and local title ad valorem tax fees provided for in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section.

      (B) Upon the death of an owner of a motor vehicle which has become subject to paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section, the immediate family member or immediate family members of such owner who receive such motor vehicle pursuant to a will or under the rules of inheritance shall be subject to a state title ad valorem tax fee in an amount equal to one-quarter of 1 percent of the fair market value of the motor vehicle and a local title ad valorem tax fee in an amount equal to one-quarter of 1 percent of the fair market value of the motor vehicle. Such title ad valorem tax fees shall be an alternative ad valorem tax as authorized by Article VII, Section I, Paragraph III(b)(3) of the Georgia Constitution.

   (2) (A) Upon the transfer from an immediate family member of a motor vehicle which has not become subject to paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section, the immediate family member or immediate family members who receive such motor vehicle shall, subsequent to the transfer of title of such motor vehicle, continue to be subject to ad valorem tax under Chapter 5 of this title and shall not be subject to the state and local title ad valorem tax fees provided for in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section unless the immediate family member or immediate family members make an affirmative written election to become subject to paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section. In the event of such election, such transfer shall be subject to the state and local title ad valorem tax fees provided for in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section.

      (B) Upon the transfer from an immediate family member of a motor vehicle which has become subject to paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section, the immediate family member who receives such motor vehicle shall transfer title of such motor vehicle to such recipient family member and shall be subject to a state title ad valorem tax fee in an amount equal to one-quarter of 1 percent of the fair market value of the motor vehicle and a local title ad valorem tax fee in an amount equal to one-quarter of 1 percent of the fair market value of the motor vehicle. Such title ad valorem tax fees shall be an alternative ad valorem tax as authorized by Article VII, Section I, Paragraph III(b)(3) of the Georgia Constitution.

      (C) Any title transfer under this paragraph shall be accompanied by an affidavit of the transferor and transferee that such persons are immediate family members to one another. There shall be a penalty imposed on any person who, in the determination of the state revenue commissioner, falsifies any material information in such affidavit. Such penalty shall not exceed $2,500.00 as a state penalty and shall not exceed $2,500.00 as a local penalty as determined by the state revenue commissioner. Such determination shall be made within 60 days of the state revenue commissioner receiving information of a possible violation of this paragraph.

   (3) Any individual who:

      (A) Is required by law to register a motor vehicle or motor vehicles in this state which were registered in the state in which such person formerly resided; and

      (B) Is required to file an application for a certificate of title under Code Section 40-3-21 or 40-3-32

shall only be required to pay state and local title ad valorem tax fees in the amount of 50 percent of the amount which would otherwise be due and payable under this subsection at the time of filing the application for a certificate of title, and the remaining 50 percent shall be paid within 12 months.

   (4) The state and local title ad valorem tax fees provided for under this Code section shall not apply to corrected titles, replacement titles under Code Section 40-3-31, or titles reissued to the same owner pursuant to Code Sections 40-3-50 through 40-3-56.

   (5) Any motor vehicle subject to state and local title ad valorem tax fees under paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section shall continue to be subject to the title, license plate, revalidation decal, and registration requirements and applicable fees as otherwise provided in Title 40 in the same manner as motor vehicles which are not subject to state and local title ad valorem tax fees under paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section.

   (6) Motor vehicles owned or leased by or to the state or any county, consolidated government, municipality, county or independent school district, or other government entity in this state shall not be subject to the state and local title ad valorem tax fees provided for under paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section; provided, however, that such other government entity shall not qualify for the exclusion under this paragraph unless it is exempt from ad valorem tax and sales and use tax pursuant to general law.

   (7) (A) Any motor vehicle which is exempt from sales and use tax pursuant to paragraph (30) of Code Section 48-8-3 shall be exempt from state and local title ad valorem tax fees under this subsection.

      (B) Any motor vehicle which is exempt from ad valorem taxation pursuant to Code Section 48-5-478, 48-5-478.1, 48-5-478.2, or 48-5-478.3 shall be exempt from state and local title ad valorem tax fees under paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section.

   (8) There shall be a penalty imposed on the transfer of all or any part of the interest in a business entity that includes primarily as an asset of such business entity one or more motor vehicles, when, in the determination of the state revenue commissioner, such transfer is done to evade the payment of state and local title ad valorem tax fees under this subsection. Such penalty shall not exceed $2,500.00 as a state penalty per motor vehicle and shall not exceed $2,500.00 as a local penalty per motor vehicle, as determined by the state revenue commissioner, plus the amount of the state and local title ad valorem tax fees. Such determination shall be made within 60 days of the state revenue commissioner receiving information that a transfer may be in violation of this paragraph.

   (9) Any owner of any motor vehicle who fails to submit within 30 days of the date such owner is required by law to register such vehicle in this state an application for a first certificate of title under Code Section 40-3-21 or a certificate of title under Code Section 40-3-32 shall be required to pay a penalty in the amount of 10 percent of the state title ad valorem tax fees and 10 percent of the local title ad valorem tax fees required under this Code section and, if such state and local title ad valorem tax fees and the penalty are not paid within 60 days following the date such owner is required by law to register such vehicle, interest at the rate of 1.0 percent per month shall be imposed on the state and local title ad valorem tax fees due under this Code section, unless a temporary permit has been issued by the tax commissioner. The tax commissioner shall grant a temporary permit in the event the failure to timely apply for a first certificate of title is due to the failure of a lienholder to comply with Code Section 40-3-56, regarding release of a security interest or lien, and no penalty or interest shall be assessed. Such penalty and interest shall be in addition to the penalty and fee required under Code Section 40-3-21 or 40-3-32, as applicable.

   (10) The owner of any motor vehicle for which a title was issued in this state on or after January 1, 2012, and prior to March 1, 2013, shall be authorized to opt in to the provisions of this subsection at any time prior to February 28, 2014, upon compliance with the following requirements:

      (A) (i) The total amount of Georgia state and local title ad valorem tax fees which would be due from March 1, 2013, to December 31, 2013, if such vehicle had been titled in 2013 shall be determined; and

         (ii) The total amount of Georgia state and local sales and use tax and Georgia state and local ad valorem tax under Chapter 5 of this title which were due and paid in 2012 for that motor vehicle and, if applicable, the total amount of such taxes which were due and paid for that motor vehicle in 2013 and 2014 shall be determined; and

      (B) (i) If the amount derived under division (i) of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph is greater than the amount derived under division (ii) subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the owner shall remit the difference to the tag agent. Such remittance shall be deemed local title ad valorem tax fee proceeds; or

         (ii) If the amount derived under division (i) of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph is less than the amount derived under division (ii) of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, no additional amount shall be due and payable by the owner.

Upon certification by the tag agent of compliance with the requirements of this paragraph, such motor vehicle shall not be subject to ad valorem tax as otherwise required under Chapter 5 of this title in the same manner as otherwise provided in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section.

   (11) (A) In the case of rental motor vehicles owned by a rental motor vehicle concern, the state title ad valorem tax fee shall be in an amount equal to .625 percent of the fair market value of the motor vehicle, and the local title ad valorem tax fee shall be in an amount equal to .625 percent of the fair market value of the motor vehicle, but only if in the immediately prior calendar year the average amount of sales and use tax attributable to the rental charge of each such rental motor vehicle was at least $400.00 as certified by the state revenue commissioner. If, in the immediately prior calendar year, the average amount of sales and use tax attributable to the rental charge of each such rental motor vehicle was not at least $400.00, this paragraph shall not apply and such vehicles shall be subject to the state and local title ad valorem tax fees prescribed in division (b)(1)(B)(ii) of this Code section.

      (B) Such title ad valorem tax fees shall be an alternative ad valorem tax as authorized by Article VII, Section I, Paragraph III(b)(3) of the Georgia Constitution.

   (12) A loaner vehicle shall not be subject to state and local title ad valorem tax fees under paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section for a period of time not to exceed 366 days commencing on the date such loaner vehicle is withdrawn temporarily from inventory. Immediately upon the expiration of such 366 day period, if the dealer does not return the loaner vehicle to inventory for resale, the dealer shall be responsible for remitting state and local title ad valorem tax fees in the same manner as otherwise required of an owner under paragraph (9) of this subsection and shall be subject to the same penalties and interest as an owner for noncompliance with the requirements of paragraph (9) of this subsection.

   (13) Any motor vehicle which is donated to a nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for the purpose of being transferred to another person shall, when titled in the name of such nonprofit organization, not be subject to state and local title ad valorem tax fees under paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section but shall be subject to state and local title ad valorem tax fees otherwise applicable to salvage titles under paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of this Code section.

   (14) (A) A lessor of motor vehicles that leases motor vehicles for more than 31 consecutive days to lessees residing in this state shall register with the department. The department shall collect an annual fee of $100.00 for such registrations. Failure of a lessor to register under this subparagraph shall subject such lessor to a civil penalty of $2,500.00.

      (B) A lessee residing in this state who leases a motor vehicle under this paragraph shall register such motor vehicle with the tag agent in such lessee's county of residence within 30 days of the commencement of the lease of such motor vehicle or beginning residence in this state, whichever is later.

      (C) A lessor that leases a motor vehicle under this paragraph to a lessee residing in this state shall apply for a certificate of title in this state within 30 days of the commencement of the lease of such motor vehicle.

   (15) There shall be no liability for any state or local title ad valorem tax fees in any of the following title transactions:

      (A) The addition or substitution of lienholders on a motor vehicle title so long as the owner of the motor vehicle remains the same;

      (B) The acquisition of a bonded title by a person or entity pursuant to Code Section 40-3-28 if the title is to be issued in the name of such person or entity;

      (C) The acquisition of a title to a motor vehicle by a person or entity as a result of the foreclosure of a mechanic's lien pursuant to Code Section 40-3-54 if such title is to be issued in the name of such lienholder;

      (D) The acquisition of a title to an abandoned motor vehicle by a person or entity pursuant to Chapter 11 of this title if such person or entity is a manufacturer or dealer of motor vehicles and the title is to be issued in the name of such person or entity;

      (E) The obtaining of a title to a stolen motor vehicle by a person or entity pursuant to Code Section 40-3-43;

      (F) The obtaining of a title by and in the name of a motor vehicle manufacturer, licensed distributor, licensed dealer, or licensed rebuilder for the purpose of sale or resale or to obtain a corrected title, provided that the manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or rebuilder shall submit an affidavit in a form promulgated by the commissioner attesting that the transfer of title is for the purpose of accomplishing a sale or resale or to correct a title only;

      (G) The obtaining of a title by and in the name of the holder of a security interest when a motor vehicle has been repossessed after default in accordance with Part 6 of Article 9 of Title 11 if such title is to be issued in the name of such security interest holder;

      (H) The obtaining of a title by a person or entity for purposes of correcting a title, changing an odometer reading, or removing an odometer discrepancy legend, provided that, subject to subparagraph (F) of this paragraph, title is not being transferred to another person or entity; and

      (I) The obtaining of a title by a person who pays state and local title ad valorem tax fees on a motor vehicle and subsequently moves out of this state but returns and applies to retitle such vehicle in this state.

   (16) It shall be unlawful for a person to fail to obtain a title for and register a motor vehicle in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Any person who knowingly and willfully fails to obtain a title for or register a motor vehicle in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

   (17) Any person who purchases a 1963 through 1985 model year motor vehicle for which such person obtains a title shall be subject to this Code section, but the state title ad valorem tax fee shall be in an amount equal to .50 percent of the fair market value of such motor vehicle, and the local title ad valorem tax fee shall be in an amount equal to .50 percent of the fair market value of such motor vehicle.

(e) The fair market value of any motor vehicle subject to this Code section shall be appealable in the same manner as otherwise authorized for a motor vehicle subject to ad valorem taxation under Code Section 48-5-450; provided, however, that the person appealing the fair market value shall first pay the full amount of the state and local title ad valorem tax prior to filing any appeal. If the appeal is successful, the amount of the tax owed shall be recalculated and, if the amount paid by the person appealing the determination of fair market value is greater than the recalculated tax owed, the person shall be promptly given a refund of the difference.

(f) Beginning in 2014, on or before January 31 of each year, the department shall provide a report to the chairpersons of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Finance Committee showing the state and local title ad valorem tax fee revenues collected pursuant to this chapter and the motor vehicle ad valorem tax proceeds collected pursuant to Chapter 5 of this title during the preceding calendar year.

Code 1981, § 48-5C-1, enacted by Ga. L. 2012, p. 257, § 1-4/HB 386; Ga. L. 2013, p. 7, § 2/HB 266; Ga. L. 2013, p. 32, § 4/HB 463; Ga. L. 2013, p. 141, § 48/HB 79.