Changes to Georgia’s so-called birthday tax is leading to extra security for the Carroll County Tax Office beginning March 1^st. Added security was recommended over concerns that customers could become frustrated over increased wait times as clerks navigate the new law’s requirements.

“And not just for the lines, we need it because (some) people will just be finding out and learning about paying this title tax when they come in here to do their title, when they buy it from an individual,” Carroll County’s Tax Commissioner, Vickie Bearden said on Friday. “And some are going to be very upset – because they can’t get a tag or title until they pay that (lump sum) title tax.”

The new law means that anyone who purchases a car after March 1, 2013 will be exempt from the yearly birthday tax, and will pay a one-time title tax, plus a $20 annual registration fee for as long as they own the vehicle.  Anyone who purchased a car between Jan. 1, 2012 and March 1, 2013 can opt in to pay the one-time fee and forgo the annual tax. Some estimate that learning the new process plus explaining it to customers could potentially double the time it takes a clerk to handle the transaction. The one-time fee could be significantly higher than what an auto owner typically pays on an annual basis.

Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy, Brad Robinson said Friday that his office is more than happy to provide an officer. He says they will monitor the situation to determine how long the added security would be necessary.