FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kenley: tax commission to accept e-testimony
Chair to encourage property taxpayers to share their stories, suggestions;
Monday’s hearing moved to Senate Chamber to allow more to watch, testify
(STATEHOUSE) – Acknowledging widespread interest and ideas regarding Indiana’s property tax crisis, Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville) today announced the tax commission he chairs will begin next week accepting electronic testimony.
“Property taxpayers all have their own stories to tell and worthwhile suggestions to make regarding our system of assessing and collecting local property taxes,” Kenley said. “Because local property tax problems are so widespread and suggestions and solutions are so important, I’ve asked that a special state website be developed. There, we’ll be able to capture e-mailed testimony from homeowners, farmers and business owners, landlords and renters, academics and students, local and state officials, regardless of their geographic location. My goal is to provide any and all e-testimony to the commission and its advisors on a regular basis.”
Kenley is expected to open Monday afternoon’s meeting by detailing how citizens across the state may provide the commission e-testimony from the convenience of their home or workplace. In addition to allowing electronic comments and suggestions of up to 500 words, the commission website will offer valuable information to taxpayers.
Specific hot topics on Kenley’s website will include:
- frequently asked questions on property taxes and assessment;
- where local property taxes go;
- what the state is doing (property tax replacement funds, direct relief, ordered reassessments, new tools to reduce local government dependence on property taxes);
- what local governments can do (cut spending, contain government construction costs, shift to other revenue streams, extend deadlines, accept payments and waive penalties); and
- what taxpayers can do (contact assessors, appeal assessments, file for mortgage exemption, homestead credit, blind deduction, disabled deduction, over-65 deduction, veteran deductions, and apply for payment plans).
Kenley said his website will also offer “a special tax calculator allowing citizens to equate a shift from taxes on property to taxes on income or sales and to see the impact each decision might make. That’s exactly what commission members will be discussing next week.”
Monday’s 1 p.m. meeting of the State Tax and Financing Policy Commission will focus on whether or not the elimination of property taxes is possible, feasible or affordable. The meeting location will be moved from room 404 of the Statehouse to the Senate Chamber to allow more citizens to watch and participate. Those wishing to testify or physically challenged should enter the Senate Chamber via the third floor entrances. Others may view the meeting via the fourth floor balcony or on the Internet at http://www.in.gov/legislative/.
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