Former National Bank President and former MP Roman Gotsiridze has criticized proposed changes to Georgia’s property tax system, arguing that the reform amounts to only a “cosmetic” change. Under the bill, the tax exemption threshold for individuals would rise from GEL 40,000 to GEL 100,000 in annual family income, while those earning more than GEL 100,000 would remain subject to the existing 0.8%–1% tax rate on the market value of taxable property.
Gotsiridze said the reform does not address what he considers broader issues, including property valuation and tax rates. He argued that property prices have risen significantly in recent years while the tax rates have remained unchanged, potentially increasing the tax burden as property values grow faster than household incomes.
He also raised concerns about how property values are assessed, saying the current system can result in different tax liabilities for similar properties. Gotsiridze further questioned the treatment of emigrants and people temporarily working abroad, arguing that their tax obligations can depend on residency status and other circumstances.
Under the proposed changes, around 81,000 taxpayers earning between GEL 40,000 and GEL 100,000 annually would be exempt from property tax. Gotsiridze said the reform should also address valuation rules, tax rates and the treatment of different taxpayer groups, arguing that raising the exemption threshold alone does not resolve the system’s underlying issues.
