Legislative Update – Jan. 25-31

HB0121 - Property tax deferral program-amendments. I have heard the concern over rising property taxes. This bill would provide relief for some who are struggling with paying their property taxes. This bill amends a current property tax deferral program that counties can administer, but to date, only Teton County has adopted rules to use the program. This bill would move program administration to the Department of Revenue, open it up for taxpayers in all 23 counties and the state would then hold the lien, instead of the county. A taxpayer would qualify for the deferment program if they demonstrate any one of the following conditions: a limited income that is at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty line; over the age of 62; has a disability as determined by the Social Security administration; purchased the property at least 10 years before the beginning of the tax year or is a disabled veteran. While this program does not solve the property tax problem alone, it is another tool taxpayers have to access relief, and I lean toward supporting this bill.