April 04, 2025
Lt. Governor Jones Priority Final Passage: Child Tax Credit and Childcare Tax Programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 4, 2025
ATLANTA | Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones issued a statement celebrating the final passage of a legislative priority, which creates a child tax credit and expands childcare tax programs. The bill will now head to Governor Brian Kemp for his consideration and signature.
“I want to thank the Georgia General Assembly for taking final action on a priority that will help working families across Georgia,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “This legislation will ensure that Georgia’s workers have access to affordable and quality childcare, while encouraging more businesses to offer childcare. Childcare is critical, not only for childhood development, but also for Georgia's economy. My priorities for this session have remained the same; supporting Georgia’s educators, businesses who employ them, and parents who are entering or already in the workforce. I am proud that we achieved just that, and I look forward to joining Governor Kemp, Georgia families, and business owners when this bill is signed into law.”
This legislation was recommended by the Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Childcare, which Lt. Governor Burt Jones appointed. The bill, HB 136, expands the current tax credit for child and dependent care expenses from a 30% match of the federal credit to a 50% match. The bill also creates a new Georgia Child Tax Credit, which will allow taxpayers to claim an income tax credit of $250 for each child under the age of 6 years old. Finally, the bill creates a new incentive for employers to cover childcare expenses. This program will allow an employer to claim a $1,000 credit in the first year and $500 in subsequent years for any employee for which the employer covers at least $1,000 in child care costs. The bill also preserves the existing tax credit program for employer-sponsored child care centers.
For the full language of House Bill 136, please follow this link: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69535