Georgia § 48-13-21 - Penalty for failure to pay tax or fee; time; amount; interest and administrative fees; exemption for certain military service.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 48-13-21 — Penalty for failure to pay tax or fee; time; amount; interest and administrative fees; exemption for certain military service., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 48-13-21. Penalty for failure to pay tax or fee; time; amount; interest and administrative fees; exemption for certain military service.

Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this Code section, should any special, occupation, or sales tax or license fee imposed by this chapter remain due and unpaid for 90 days from the due date of the tax or fee, the person liable for the tax or fee shall be subject to and shall pay a penalty of 10 percent of the tax or fee due. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this Code section, local governments are authorized to provide in their ordinances for interest on delinquent occupation taxes, regulatory fees, and administrative fees at a rate not to exceed 1.5 percent per month. No taxpayer shall be liable for any penalty or interest pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this Code section if: The default giving rise to such penalty or interest resulted from a taxpayer's military service in the armed forces of the United States in an area designated by the President of the United States by executive order as a combat zone and was not due to gross or willful neglect or disregard of the law or of regulations or instructions issued pursuant to the law; and The taxpayer provides proof of such military service and makes full payment of taxes due, not including penalties and interest, within 60 days of such taxpayer's return from such military service. (Ga. L. 1931, Ex. Sess., p. 76, § 6; Code 1933, § 92-2105; Ga. L. 1935, p. 11, § 16; Code 1933, § 91A-6011, enacted by Ga. L. 1978, p. 309, § 2; Code 1981, § 48-13-12 ; Code 1981, § 48-13-21 , as redesignated by Ga. L. 1993, p. 1292, § 9; Ga. L. 1995, p. 419, § 1; Ga. L. 2018, p. 317, § 1/HB 840.)

Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 48-13-21

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 48-13-21 cover?

Section 48-13-21 ("Penalty for failure to pay tax or fee; time; amount; interest and administrative fees; exemption for certain military service.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Georgia § 48-13-21?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 48-13-21" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Georgia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.

How does Georgia § 48-13-21 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.