Georgia moves to exempt military retirement pay from taxes

fort gordon cyber security
The U.S. Army’s Cyber Center of Excellence in Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia is shown here.

CREDIT STAFF SGT. TRACY J. SMITH / COURTESY OF GEORGIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

Georgia would exempt up to $35,000 a year in military retirement income from state income tax under a bill passed Monday by the state House.

Representatives voted 161-0 for House Bill 1064, under which the state is projected to forgo an estimated $55 million to $60 million in taxes annually. The measure moves to the Senate for more debate.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has been backing the exemption. Supporters say it will make living in the state more attractive for military veterans, who often retire in their 40s and pursue a second career, helping both the veterans and businesses that need workers.