Lawmakers’ bill would expedite relief to
taxpayers in counties ordered to reassess
Legislation would issue credits instead of rebate checks to affected counties
(STATEHOUSE) -- Due to property tax reassessments ordered by Gov. Daniels, taxpayers in several counties would not receive promised rebate checks until the summer of 2008. In order to expedite relief for affected taxpayers, Indianapolis area Senators today introduced legislation to provide credits on pay 2007 reconciliation bills, which will be mailed in the spring.
Senate Bill 21 is authored by Sens. Mike Young, Teresa Lubbers, Jean Breaux, Pat Miller, James Merritt, Mike Delph, Brent Waltz and Glen Howard.
Earlier this year, DLGF officials ordered reassessments in several counties where irregularities in the assessment process led to large increases in tax bills and disparities in assessed values for similar properties. Counties affected are Marion, Posey and Shelby.
All 92 counties received funds from the state to issue rebate checks, which are part of a $300 million relief plan approved by the General Assembly this year. Most eligible taxpayers should receive their checks early in 2008, however counties undergoing reassessment cannot calculate rebate checks until the reassessment is complete. County Treasurer Mike Rodman said Marion County’s reassessment is not expected to be complete until February.
Without this legislation, taxpayers would not be issued rebate checks until late spring or early summer, after receiving 2007 reconciliation and pay spring 2008 tax bills that they would be required to pay. By introducing this bill on Organization Day, legislators can begin working in December to jumpstart relief to taxpayers, Sen. Young said.
Issuing credits instead of rebates will save counties costs of printing and postage for thousands of checks and provide efficient relief.
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