FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
‘Specific property tax solutions’ to be discussed in November
State Tax Commission has two more meetings
before focusing on long and short-term answers
(STATEHOUSE) – Sen. Luke Kenley, chair of Indiana’s State Tax and Fiscal Policy Commission, said today specific proposals for solving property tax problems will soon be up for discussion.
According to Kenley (R-Noblesville), two more meetings of the commission are planned in October, with specific proposals for legislation scheduled to be discussed during a meeting Monday, Nov. 12.
Kenley said the next meeting of the commission is 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, in Room 404 of the Statehouse. At that meeting, discussion will include:
- state assumption of a “greater responsibility” for school general fund costs and child welfare costs. The child welfare costs often create local outcry as “an unfunded mandate.” Kenley has said his goal is to more closely align state funding with state responsibilities and local funding with local responsibilities;
- Lake County Local Option Income Tax issues;
- local debt issuance; and
- maximum local levies and appeals.
On Monday, Oct. 15, the commission meeting will be highlighted by:
- exemptions for senior citizens, disabled persons and for second homes;
- circuit breakers – setting maximum limits on property taxes at a percent of assessed value; and
- discussion of bonding practices and terms of bonds.
The commission began examining Indiana’s property tax system in July after residents across the state were hit with higher-than-expected tax bills on homes, farms and businesses. The meetings have already examined a wide range of topics – from rebate checks and tax credits; from Indiana’s assessment system to whether a repeal of property taxes is feasible and affordable.
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:
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frequently asked questions on property taxes and assessment;
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where local property taxes go;
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what the state is doing (property tax replacement funds, direct relief, ordered reassessments, new tools to reduce local government dependence on property taxes);
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what local governments can do (cut spending, contain government construction costs, shift to other revenue streams, extend deadlines, accept payments and waive penalties); and
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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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