Legislators Discuss Property Tax Changes - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Legislators Discuss Property Tax Changes

A ballot measure to eliminate property taxes in North Dakota failed this summer.

But that doesn't mean an end to proposals for changing the state's property tax system.
State lawmakers are looking over sixteen proposals that would make changes to the taxation of property.

The sixteen bills basically fall under three categories:
Under the first, lawmakers would continue to offer property tax relief by buying down school mill levies.
The second would extend the Homestead Tax Credit, which offers relief on primary residences.
The third formula would give money to counties--which would filter down to property owners.
Lawmakers say property tax relief is a hot topic.

That was probably the largest issue no offense to Fighting Sioux folks, but Measure 2 and the property tax relief was the largest issue that captured everybody's attention in the June primary--that got defeated overwhelmingly, but the legislature was in the property tax relief business before Measure 2 came along and we're gonna continue to look at ways to find a reasonable solution to escalating property taxes," says Senator David Hogue, Chairman of the Taxation Committee.

Hogue says if legislators expand the Homestead Tax Credit, it would provide relief for primary residences, and not rental, commercial or Ag property.
Another proposal would help those over the age of 65.  
Hogue says they would get primary property tax relief, plus a little more.
His committee is looking into the various proposals in advance of the next regular session of the legislature that begins in January.