FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tax Commission to look at school funding issues
Welfare concerns; assessment of rental properties also on meeting agenda
(STATEHOUSE) – Can state government afford to assume all costs relating to school general funds and child welfare needs? That question will be examined in detail when the Commission on State Tax and Financing Policy continues its property tax study 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, in Room 404 of the Statehouse.
Sen. Luke Kenley, (R-Noblesville) who chairs the commission, made the announcement and said the agenda would also include:
■ A discussion about assessments on rental properties; and
■ Annexation issues within districts of Local Option Income Tax revenue streams.
This will be the fifth meeting of the commission, which began examining Indiana’s property tax system in July after residents across the state were hit with higher-than-expected bills on their homes. The meetings have already examined a wide range of topics – from rebate checks and credits to Indiana’s assessment system and whether a repeal of property taxes is feasible.
While the committee gathers information at each meeting, it is also encouraging citizens to send information and suggestions via e-mail at its new web site, www.propertytaxreform.in.gov.
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.
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