Download Zipped Enrolled WP 9 HB0313.ZIP 19,881 Bytes
[Introduced][Amended][Status][Bill Documents][Fiscal Note][Bills Directory]

H.B. 313 Enrolled

                 

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

                 
2001 GENERAL SESSION

                 
STATE OF UTAH

                 
Sponsor: A. Lamont Tyler

                  This act modifies the Property Tax Act to address property tax exemptions, abatements, and
                  other tax relief. This act gives to the county legislative body the authority to determine who
                  performs functions given to the county. This act addresses extensions of filing deadlines.
                  This act addresses tax relief claimed for disabled veterans or related persons, tax relief
                  claimed by blind persons or related persons, and tax relief for indigent persons. This act
                  clarifies the relationship between different property tax relief. This act addresses the process
                  of applying for the homeowner's credit. The act makes technical changes.
                  This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
                  AMENDS:
                      59-2-1101, as last amended by Chapter 86, Laws of Utah 2000
                      59-2-1104, as last amended by Chapter 354, Laws of Utah 1999
                      59-2-1105, as last amended by Chapter 354, Laws of Utah 1999
                      59-2-1106, as last amended by Chapter 87, Laws of Utah 1996
                      59-2-1107, as last amended by Chapter 195, Laws of Utah 1998
                      59-2-1108, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
                      59-2-1109, as last amended by Chapter 86, Laws of Utah 2000
                      59-2-1202, as last amended by Chapter 309, Laws of Utah 1998
                      59-2-1203, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 4, Laws of Utah 1987
                      59-2-1206, as last amended by Chapters 20 and 309, Laws of Utah 1998
                      59-2-1207, as last amended by Chapter 20, Laws of Utah 1998
                      59-2-1211, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 4, Laws of Utah 1987
                      59-2-1214, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
                      59-2-1215, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
                      59-2-1219, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
                      59-2-1220, as last amended by Chapter 20, Laws of Utah 1998


                  REPEALS:
                      59-2-1210, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 4, Laws of Utah 1987
                  Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
                      Section 1. Section 59-2-1101 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1101. Exemption of property devoted to public, religious, or charitable uses --
                  Proportional payments for government-owned property -- Intangibles exempt -- Signed
                  statement required -- County legislative body authority to adopt rules or ordinances.
                      (1) The exemptions, deferrals, and abatements authorized by this part may be allowed only
                  if the claimant is the owner of the property as of January 1 of the year the exemption is claimed,
                  unless the claimant is a federal, state, or political subdivision entity under Subsection (2)(a), (b), or
                  (c), in which case the entity shall collect and pay a proportional tax based upon the length of time
                  that the property was not owned by the entity.
                      (2) The following property is exempt from taxation:
                      (a) property exempt under the laws of the United States;
                      (b) property of the state, school districts, and public libraries;
                      (c) property of counties, cities, towns, special districts, and all other political subdivisions
                  of the state, except as provided in Title 11, Chapter 13, [the] Interlocal Cooperation Act;
                      (d) property owned by a nonprofit entity which is used exclusively for religious, charitable,
                  or educational purposes;
                      (e) places of burial not held or used for private or corporate benefit;
                      (f) farm equipment and machinery; and
                      (g) intangible property.
                      (3) (a) The owner who receives exempt status for property, if required by the commission,
                  shall file a signed statement, on or before March 1 each year, certifying the use to which the property
                  has been placed during the past year. The signed statement shall contain the following information
                  in summary form:
                      (i) identity of the individual who signed the statement;
                      (ii) the basis of the signer's knowledge of the use of the property;

- 2 -


                      (iii) authority to make the signed statement on behalf of the owner;
                      (iv) county where property is located; and
                      (v) nature of use of the property.
                      (b) If the signed statement is not filed within the time limits prescribed by the county [board
                  of equalization], the exempt status may, after notice and hearing, be revoked and the property then
                  placed on the tax rolls.
                      (4) The county legislative body may adopt rules or ordinances to:
                      (a) effectuate the exemptions, deferrals, abatements, or other relief from taxation provided
                  in this part[.]; and
                      (b) designate one or more persons to perform the functions given the county under this part.
                      Section 2. Section 59-2-1104 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1104. Exemption of property owned by disabled veterans or their unmarried
                  surviving spouses and minor orphans -- Amount of exemption.
                      (1) As used in this section, "residence" is as defined in Section 59-2-1202 , except that a
                  rented dwelling is not considered to be a residence.
                      (2) (a) Subject to Section 59-2-1105 , including the reduction provided for in Subsection
                  59-2-1105 (5)(b), the first $82,500 of taxable value of the property described in Subsection (2)(b) is
                  exempt from taxation if the residence is owned by:
                      (i) a person who:
                      (A) is less than 100% disabled; and
                      (B) was disabled in the line of duty during any war, international conflict, or military training
                  in the military service of the United States or of this state; or
                      (ii) the [unremarried] unmarried surviving spouse and minor orphans of any person
                  described in Subsection (2)(a)(i), or of a person who, during any war, international conflict, or
                  military training in the military service of the United States or of this state, was killed in action or
                  died in the line of duty as a result of the military service.
                      (b) Subsection (2)(a) applies to the following property:
                      (i) a residence;

- 3 -


                      (ii) tangible personal property; or
                      (iii) a combination of Subsections (2)(b)(i) and (ii).
                      (3) (a) Subject to Section 59-2-1105 , the first $82,500 of the total taxable value of property
                  described in Subsection (3)(b) is exempt from taxation if the property is owned by:
                      (i) a person who:
                      (A) is 100% disabled; and
                      (B) was disabled in the line of duty during any war, international conflict, or military training
                  in the military service of the United States or of this state; or
                      (ii) the [unremarried] unmarried surviving spouse and minor orphans of any person
                  described in Subsection (3)(a)(i), or of a person who, during any war, international conflict, or
                  military training in the military service of the United States or of this state, was killed in action or
                  died in the line of duty as a result of the military service.
                      (b) Subsection (3)(a) applies to the following property:
                      (i) real property, including a residence;
                      (ii) tangible personal property; or
                      (iii) a combination of Subsections (3)(b)(i) and (ii).
                      Section 3. Section 59-2-1105 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1105. Application for disabled veteran's exemption -- Proof requirements --
                  Limitations on exemption.
                      (1) (a) The exemptions authorized by Section 59-2-1104 may be allowed only if the interest
                  of the claimant is on record on January 1 of the year the exemption is claimed.
                      (b) If the claimant has an interest in real property under a contract, the exemption under
                  Section 59-2-1104 may be allowed if it is proved to the satisfaction of the county [legislative body]
                  that the claimant is:
                      (i) the purchaser under the contract; and [is]
                      (ii) obligated to pay the taxes on the property beginning January 1 of [that] the year the
                  exemption is claimed.
                      (c) If the claimant is the grantor of a trust holding title to real or tangible personal property

- 4 -


                  on which an exemption is claimed, the claimant may claim the portion of the exemption under
                  Section 59-2-1104 and be treated as the owner of that portion of the property held in trust for which
                  the claimant proves to the satisfaction of the county that:
                      (i) title to the portion of the trust will revest in the claimant upon the exercise of a power:
                      (A) by:
                      (I) the claimant as grantor of the trust;
                      (II) a nonadverse party; or
                      (III) both the claimant and a nonadverse party; and
                      (B) regardless of whether the power is a power:
                      (I) to revoke;
                      (II) to terminate;
                      (III) to alter;
                      (IV) to amend; or
                      (V) to appoint;
                      (ii) the claimant is obligated to pay the taxes on that portion of the trust property beginning
                  January 1 of the year the claimant claims the exemption; and
                      (iii) the claimant meets the requirements under this part for the exemption.
                      (2) (a) On or before September 1 each year, any person applying for a veteran's exemption
                  shall file an application with the county [legislative body of the county] in which that person resides.
                      (b) A county may extend the deadline for filing under Subsection (2)(a) until December 31
                  if the county finds that good cause exists to extend the deadline.
                      [(b) A] (c) The following shall accompany the initial application for exemption:
                      (i) a copy of the veteran's certificate of discharge from the military service of:
                      (A) the United States; or [of]
                      (B) this state[,]; or
                      (ii) other satisfactory evidence of eligible military service[, shall accompany the initial
                  application for exemption].
                      (3) If the application is made by a veteran who served in the military of the United States or

- 5 -


                  of this state prior to January 1, 1921, or by the [unremarried] unmarried surviving spouse or minor
                  orphan of that veteran, a certificate from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from any other
                  source required by the county [legislative body], showing the percentage of disability of the veteran
                  shall accompany the application.
                      (4) Any application made by a veteran who served in the military service of the United States
                  or of this state on or after January 1, 1921, or by the [unremarried] unmarried surviving spouse or
                  minor orphan of that veteran, shall be accompanied by a certificate from the Department of Veterans
                  Affairs, or from any other source required by the county [legislative body], showing the percentage
                  of disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty during any war, international conflict, or
                  military training in the military service of the United States or of this state.
                      (5) (a) If the veteran is 100% disabled, the veteran's property tax exemption is as provided
                  in Subsection 59-2-1104 (3).
                      (b) If the certificate under this section shows a lesser percentage of disability, the exemption
                  allowed under Subsection 59-2-1104 (2) is that percentage of $82,500, except that [no] an exemption
                  [is] may not be allowed for any disability below 10%.
                      (6) The [unremarried] unmarried surviving spouse and minor orphans of a deceased veteran
                  are entitled to the greater of:
                      (a) the full exemption if the veteran's disability was 10% or more and the veteran served
                  prior to January 1, 1921; or
                      (b) the same exemption to which the disabled veteran would have been entitled, if the
                  veteran served on or after January 1, 1921.
                      [(7) The county legislative body may adopt rules to effectuate the exemptions from taxation
                  under Section 59-2-1104 .]
                      Section 4. Section 59-2-1106 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1106. Exemption of property owned by blind persons or their unmarried
                  surviving spouses or minor orphans -- Amount -- Application.
                      (1) [The] (a) Subject to Subsections (2) and (3), the first $11,500 of taxable value of real
                  and tangible personal property in this state owned by the following is exempt from taxation:

- 6 -


                      (i) a blind [persons, their unremarried] person;
                      (ii) the unmarried surviving [spouses,] spouse of a blind person; or [their]
                      (iii) a minor [orphans is exempt from taxation, subject to Subsections (2) and (3)] orphan
                  of a blind person.
                      (b) If the claimant is the grantor of a trust holding title to real or tangible personal property
                  on which an exemption is claimed, the claimant may claim the portion of the exemption under this
                  section and be treated as the owner of that portion of the property held in trust for which the claimant
                  proves to the satisfaction of the county that:
                      (i) title to the portion of the trust will revest in the claimant upon the exercise of a power:
                      (A) by:
                      (I) the claimant as grantor of the trust;
                      (II) a nonadverse party; or
                      (III) both the claimant and a nonadverse party; and
                      (B) regardless of whether the power is a power:
                      (I) to revoke;
                      (II) to terminate;
                      (III) to alter;
                      (IV) to amend; or
                      (V) to appoint;
                      (ii) the claimant is obligated to pay the taxes on that portion of the trust property beginning
                  January 1 of the year the claimant claims the exemption; and
                      (iii) the claimant meets the requirements under this part for the exemption.
                      (2) (a) Every person [applying for] claiming the exemption [for the blind] under Subsection
                  (1) shall[, on or before September 1 in each year,] file an application:
                      (i) on or before September 1 in each year; and
                      (ii) with the county [executive of the county] in which the person resides.
                      (b) A county may extend the deadline for filing under Subsection (2)(a) until December 31
                  if the county finds that good cause exists to extend the deadline.

- 7 -


                      (3) The first year's application shall be accompanied by a statement signed by a licensed
                  ophthalmologist verifying that the person:
                      (a) has no more than 20/200 visual acuity in the better eye when corrected; or
                      (b) has, in the case of better than 20/200 central vision, a restriction of the field of vision in
                  the better eye which subtends an angle of vision no greater than 20 degrees.
                      Section 5. Section 59-2-1107 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1107. Indigent persons -- Amount of abatement.
                      The county [executive] may remit or abate the taxes of any poor person meeting the
                  requirements of Section 59-2-1109 in an amount not exceeding the lesser of:
                      (1) the amount provided as a homeowner's credit for the lowest household income bracket
                  under Section 59-2-1208 ; or
                      (2) 50% of the total tax [assessed] levied for the current year.
                      Section 6. Section 59-2-1108 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1108. Indigent persons -- Deferral of taxes -- Treatment of deferred taxes.
                      (1) (a) The county [board of equalization] may, after giving notice, defer any tax levied on
                  residential property, subject to the conditions of Section 59-2-1109 .
                      (b) If the owner of [that] the property described in Subsection (1)(a) is poor, the property
                  may not be subjected to a tax sale during the period of deferment.
                      (2) (a) Taxes deferred by the [board of equalization] county accumulate with interest as a
                  lien against the property until the property is sold or otherwise disposed of.
                      (b) Deferred taxes bear interest at the rate of 6% per year and have the same status as a lien
                  under Sections 59-2-1301 and 59-2-1325 .
                      (3) Deferral may be granted by the county [legislative body] at any time if:
                      (a) the holder of any mortgage or trust deed outstanding on the property gives written
                  approval of the application; and
                      (b) the applicant is not the owner of income producing assets [which] that could be
                  liquidated to pay the tax.
                      (4) Any assets transferred to relatives in the prior three-year period shall be considered by

- 8 -


                  the county [legislative body] in making [its] the county's determination.
                      Section 7. Section 59-2-1109 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1109. Indigent persons -- Deferral or abatement -- Application.
                      (1) [No] A person under the age of 65 years is not eligible for [tax relief,] a deferral[,] or
                  abatement provided for poor people under Sections 59-2-1107 and 59-2-1108 unless:
                      (a) the county [legislative body] finds that extreme hardship would prevail if the grants were
                  not made; or
                      (b) the person is disabled.
                      (2) (a) An application for the [exemption] deferral or abatement shall be filed on or before
                  September 1 with the county [legislative body of the county] in which the property is located. [The
                  application shall set forth adequate facts to support the person's eligibility to receive the exemption.]
                      [(a)] (b) The application shall include a signed statement setting forth the eligibility of the
                  applicant for the [exemption] deferral or abatement.
                      [(b)] (c) Both husband and wife shall sign the application if [they] the husband and wife seek
                  [an exemption] a deferral or abatement on a residence:
                      (i) in which they both reside; and
                      (ii) which they own as joint tenants.
                      (d) A county may extend the deadline for filing under Subsection (2)(a) until December 31
                  if the county finds that good cause exists to extend the deadline.
                      (3) For purposes of this section:
                      (a) [A] a poor person is any person:
                      (i) whose total household income as defined in Section 59-2-1202 is less than the maximum
                  household income certified to a homeowner's credit under Subsection 59-2-1208 (1);
                      (ii) who resides for not less than ten months of each year in the residence for which the tax
                  relief, deferral, or abatement is requested; and
                      (iii) who is unable to meet the tax assessed on the person's residential property as the tax
                  becomes due[.]; and
                      (b) ["Residence"] "residence" includes a mobile home as defined under Section 59-2-601 .

- 9 -


                      (4) If the claimant is the grantor of a trust holding title to real or tangible personal property
                  on which an abatement or deferral is claimed, the claimant may claim the portion of the abatement
                  or deferral under Section 59-2-1107 or 59-2-1108 and be treated as the owner of that portion of the
                  property held in trust for which the claimant proves to the satisfaction of the county that:
                      (a) title to the portion of the trust will revest in the claimant upon the exercise of a power:
                      (i) by:
                      (A) the claimant as grantor of the trust;
                      (B) a nonadverse party; or
                      (C) both the claimant and a nonadverse party; and
                      (ii) regardless of whether the power is a power:
                      (A) to revoke;
                      (B) to terminate;
                      (C) to alter;
                      (D) to amend; or
                      (E) to appoint;
                      (b) the claimant is obligated to pay the taxes on that portion of the trust property beginning
                  January 1 of the year the claimant claims the abatement or deferral; and
                      (c) the claimant meets the requirements under this part for the abatement or deferral.
                      [(4)] (5) The commission shall adopt rules to implement this section.
                      [(5)] (6) Any poor person may qualify for:
                      (a) the deferral of taxes under Section 59-2-1108 [, or];
                      (b) if the person meets the requisites of this section, for the abatement of taxes under Section
                  59-2-1107 [,]; or
                      (c) both[.]:
                      (i) the deferral described in Subsection (6)(a); and
                      (ii) the abatement described in Subsection (6)(b).
                      Section 8. Section 59-2-1202 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1202. Definitions.

- 10 -


                      As used in this part:
                      (1) (a) "Claimant" means a homeowner or renter who:
                      (i) has filed a claim under this part;
                      (ii) is domiciled in this state for the entire calendar year for which a claim for relief is filed
                  under this part; and
                      (iii) has reached the age of 65 prior to the close of that calendar year.
                      (b) A surviving spouse, who otherwise qualifies under this section, is an eligible claimant
                  regardless of age.
                      (c) If two or more individuals of a household are able to meet the qualifications for a
                  claimant, they may determine among them as to who the claimant shall be, but if they are unable to
                  agree, the matter shall be referred to the county legislative body for a determination of the claimant
                  of an owned residence and to the commission for a determination of the claimant of a rented
                  residence.
                      (2) (a) "Gross rent" means rental actually paid in cash or its equivalent solely for the right
                  of occupancy, at arm's-length, of a residence, exclusive of charges for any utilities, services,
                  furniture, furnishings, or personal appliances furnished by the landlord as a part of the rental
                  agreement.
                      (b) If a claimant occupies two or more residences in the year and does not own the residence
                  as of the lien date, "gross rent" means the total rent paid for the residences during the one-year period
                  for which the renter files a claim under this part.
                      (3) "Homeowner's credit" means a credit against a claimant's property tax liability.
                      (4) "Household" means the association of persons who live in the same dwelling, sharing
                  its furnishings, facilities, accommodations, and expenses.
                      (5) "Household income" means all income received by all persons of a household in:
                      (a) the calendar year next preceding the year in which property taxes are due; or[,]
                      (b) in the case of renters, the year in which a claim is filed.
                      (6) (a) (i) "Income" means the sum of:
                      (A) federal adjusted gross income as defined in Section 62, Internal Revenue Code[, plus];

- 11 -


                  and
                      (B) all nontaxable income as defined in Subsection (6)(b).
                      (ii) "Income" does not include:
                      (A) aid, assistance, or contributions from a tax-exempt nongovernmental source;
                      (B) surplus foods;
                      (C) relief in kind supplied by a public or private agency; or
                      (D) relief provided under this part, Section 59-2-1108 , or Section 59-2-1109 .
                      (b) For purposes of Subsection (6)(a)(i), "nontaxable income" means amounts excluded from
                  adjusted gross income under the Internal Revenue Code, including:
                      (i) capital gains;
                      (ii) loss carry forwards claimed during the taxable year in which a claimant files for relief
                  under this part, Section 59-2-1108 , or Section 59-2-1109 ;
                      (iii) depreciation claimed pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code by a claimant on the
                  residence for which the claimant files for relief under this part, Section 59-2-1108 , or Section
                  59-2-1109 ;
                      (iv) support money received;
                      (v) nontaxable strike benefits;
                      (vi) cash public assistance or relief;
                      (vii) the gross amount of a pension or annuity, including benefits under the Railroad
                  Retirement Act of 1974, 45 U.S.C. Sec. 231, and veterans disability pensions;
                      (viii) payments received under the Social Security Act;
                      (ix) state unemployment insurance amounts;
                      (x) nontaxable interest received from any source;
                      (xi) workers' compensation;
                      (xii) the gross amount of "loss of time" insurance; and
                      (xiii) voluntary contributions to a tax-deferred retirement plan.
                      (7) (a) "Property taxes accrued" means property taxes, exclusive of special assessments,
                  delinquent interest, and charges for service, levied on a claimant's residence in this state[, and in the

- 12 -


                  case of].
                      (b) For a mobile home, "property taxes accrued" includes taxes imposed on both the land
                  upon which the home is situated and [also] on the structure of the home itself, whether classified as
                  real property or personal property taxes.
                      [(b)] (c) (i) Beginning on January 1, 1999, for a claimant who owns a residence, "property
                  taxes accrued" are the property taxes described in Subsection (7)(a) levied for the calendar year on
                  35% of the fair market value of the residence as reflected on the assessment roll.
                      (ii) The [reduction in fair market value under] amount described in Subsection (7)[(b)](c)(i)
                  constitutes:
                      (A) a tax abatement for the poor in accordance with Utah Constitution Article XIII, Section
                  2; and
                      (B) the residential exemption provided for in Section 59-2-103 .
                      [(c)] (d) (i) For purposes of this Subsection (7) property taxes accrued are levied on the lien
                  date.
                      (ii) If a claimant owns a residence on the lien date, property taxes accrued mean taxes levied
                  on the lien date, even if that claimant does not own a residence for the entire year.
                      [(d)] (e) When a household owns and occupies two or more different residences in this state
                  in the same calendar year, property taxes accrued shall relate only to the residence occupied on the
                  lien date by the household as its principal place of residence.
                      [(e)] (f) (i) If a residence is an integral part of a large unit such as a farm or a multipurpose
                  or multidwelling building, property taxes accrued shall be the same percentage of the total property
                  taxes accrued as the value of the residence is of the total value.
                      (ii) For purposes of this Subsection (7)(f), "unit" refers to the parcel of property covered by
                  a single tax statement of which the residence is a part.
                      (8) (a) "Residence" means the dwelling, whether owned or rented, and so much of the land
                  surrounding it, not exceeding one acre, as is reasonably necessary for use of the dwelling as a home,
                  and may consist of a part of a multidwelling or multipurpose building and a part of the land upon
                  which it is built and includes a mobile home or houseboat.

- 13 -


                      (b) "Residence" does not include personal property such as furniture, furnishings, or
                  appliances.
                      (c) For purposes of this Subsection (8), "owned" includes a vendee in possession under a
                  land contract or one or more joint tenants or tenants in common.
                      Section 9. Section 59-2-1203 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1203. Right to file claim -- Death of claimant.
                      (1) (a) The right to file a claim under this part is personal to the claimant [and].
                      (b) The right to file a claim does not survive the claimant's death[, but this].
                      (c) The right to file a claim may be exercised on behalf of a claimant by:
                      (i) a legal guardian of the claimant; or
                      (ii) an attorney-in-fact of the claimant.
                      (2) (a) If a claimant dies after having filed a timely claim, the amount of the claim shall be
                  disbursed to another member of the household as determined by the commission by rule.
                      (b) If the claimant described in Subsection (2)(a) was the only member of the household, the
                  claim may be paid to the executor or administrator, [but] except that if neither an executor or
                  administrator is appointed and qualified within two years of the filing of the claim, the amount of
                  the claim shall escheat to the state.
                      (3) If the claimant is the grantor of a trust holding title to real or tangible personal property
                  on which a credit is claimed, the claimant may claim the portion of the credit and be treated as the
                  owner of that portion of the property held in trust for which the claimant proves to the satisfaction
                  of the county that:
                      (a) title to the portion of the trust will revest in the claimant upon the exercise of a power:
                      (i) by:
                      (A) the claimant as grantor of the trust;
                      (B) a nonadverse party; or
                      (C) both the claimant and a nonadverse party; and
                      (ii) regardless of whether the power is a power:
                      (A) to revoke;

- 14 -


                      (B) to terminate;
                      (C) to alter;
                      (D) to amend; or
                      (E) to appoint;
                      (b) the claimant is obligated to pay the taxes on that portion of the trust property beginning
                  January 1 of the year the claimant claims the credit; and
                      (c) the claimant meets the requirements under this part for the credit.
                      (4) The amount described in Subsection 59-2-1202 (7)(c)(i) is in addition to any other
                  exemption or reduction for which a homeowner may be eligible, including the homeowner's credit
                  provided for in Section 59-2-1206 .
                      Section 10. Section 59-2-1206 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1206. Application for homeowner's credit -- Time for filing -- Payment from
                  General Fund.
                      (1) (a) [Except as provided in Subsection (1)(d), a] A claimant applying for a homeowner's
                  credit shall annually file an application for the credit with the county [legislative body] before
                  September 1.
                      (b) The application under this section shall:
                      (i) be on forms provided by:
                      (A) the commission; or
                      (B) the county in which the applicant resides; and
                      (ii) include a household income statement signed by the claimant stating that:
                      (A) the income statement is correct; and
                      (B) the claimant qualifies for the credit.
                      (c) (i) Subject to [the provisions of Subsections] Subsection (1)(c)(ii) [and (1)(c)(iii)], a
                  county [or the commission] shall [reduce a claimant's property tax liability] apply the credit in
                  accordance with this section and Section 59-2-1207 for the year in which the claimant applies for
                  a homeowner's credit if the claimant meets the criteria for obtaining a homeowner's credit as
                  provided in this part.

- 15 -


                      (ii) A homeowner's credit under this part may not exceed the claimant's property tax liability
                  for the year in which the claimant applies for a homeowner's credit under this part.
                      [(iii) Except as provided in Section 59-2-1220 , a county or the commission may not apply
                  a homeowner's credit under this part against a property tax liability that is more than 90 days
                  delinquent.]
                      [(d) An eligible claimant who fails to submit an application before the September 1 deadline
                  may request reimbursement for allowable credit by filing the application form directly with the
                  commission on or before December 31.]
                      [(e)] (d) A claimant may qualify for a homeowner's credit under this part regardless of
                  whether the claimant owes delinquent property taxes.
                      (2) (a) (i) The county [legislative body] shall compile a list of claimants and the
                  homeowner's credits granted to the claimants for purposes of obtaining payment from the General
                  Fund for the amount of credits granted.
                      (ii) A county [legislative body] may not obtain payment from the General Fund for the
                  [reduction in fair market value provided for] amount described in Subsection 59-2-1202 (7).
                      (b) Upon certification by the commission the payment for the credits under this Subsection
                  (2) shall be made to the county on or before January 1 if the list of claimants and the credits granted
                  are received by the commission on or before November 30 of the year in which the credits under this
                  part are granted.
                      (c) If the commission does not receive the list under this Subsection (2) on or before
                  November 30, payment shall be made within 30 days of receipt of the list of claimants and credits
                  from the county.
                      Section 11. Section 59-2-1207 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1207. Claim applied against tax liability -- One claimant per household per year.
                      (1) [The commission or a] A county [may] shall apply as provided in Subsection
                  59-2-1206 (1)(c) the amount of a credit under this part against:
                      (a) a claimant's property tax liability; or
                      (b) [against] the property tax liability of a spouse who was a member of the claimant's

- 16 -


                  household in the year in which the claimant applies for a homeowner's credit under this part.
                      (2) Only one claimant per household per year is entitled to payment under this part.
                      Section 12. Section 59-2-1211 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1211. Commission to provide forms and instructions -- County may prepare
                  forms and instructions -- County legislative body authority to adopt rules or ordinances.
                      (1) The commission shall prescribe and make available suitable forms and instructions for:
                      (a) claimants; and [county governing bodies.]
                      (b) counties.
                      (2) A county is not required to use the forms and instructions prescribed by the commission
                  under Subsection (1) if the county prepares suitable forms and instructions for a claimant consistent
                  with:
                      (a) this chapter; and
                      (b) rules adopted by the commission.
                      (3) The county legislative body may adopt rules or ordinances to:
                      (a) effectuate the property tax relief under this part; and
                      (b) designate one or more persons to perform the functions given the county under this part.
                      Section 13. Section 59-2-1214 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1214. Redetermination of claim by commission or county.
                      (1) If, on the audit of any claim filed under this part, the commission or the county
                  [legislative body] determines the amount has been incorrectly determined, the commission or the
                  county [legislative body] shall:
                      (a) redetermine the claim; and
                      (b) notify the claimant of the redetermination and its reason for the redetermination.
                      (2) The redetermination provided in Subsection (1)(a) shall be final unless appealed within
                  30 days after [this] the notice required by Subsection (1)(b).
                      Section 14. Section 59-2-1215 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1215. Fraudulent or negligently prepared claim -- Penalties and interest --
                  Procedure.

- 17 -


                      (1) (a) If the commission or the county [legislative body] determines that a claim is excessive
                  and was filed with fraudulent intent[,]:
                      (i) the claim shall be disallowed in full[,];
                      (ii) the credit shall be cancelled[, and];
                      (iii) the amount paid or claimed [may] shall be recovered by assessment[,]; and
                      (iv) the assessment provided for in Subsection (1)(a)(iii) shall bear interest:
                      (A) from the date of the claim[,];
                      (B) until refunded or paid[,]; and
                      (C) at the rate of 1% per month.
                      (b) The claimant, and any person who assists in the preparation or filing of an excessive
                  claim or supplies information upon which an excessive claim was prepared, with fraudulent intent,
                  is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
                      (2) If the commission or the county [legislative body] determines that a claim is excessive
                  and negligently prepared[,]:
                      (a) 10% of the corrected claim shall be disallowed[,];
                      (b) the proper portion of any amount paid shall be similarly recovered by assessment[,]; and
                      (c) the assessment provided for in Subsection (2)(b) shall bear interest at 1% per month from
                  the date of payment until refunded or paid.
                      Section 15. Section 59-2-1219 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1219. Claim disallowed if residence obtained for purpose of receiving benefits.
                      A claim shall be disallowed if the commission or county [legislative body] finds that the
                  claimant received title to a residence primarily for the purpose of receiving benefits under this part.
                      Section 16. Section 59-2-1220 is amended to read:
                       59-2-1220. Extension of time for filing claim.
                      [(1) In case of sickness, absence, or other disability, or if, in its judgment, good cause exists,
                  the] The commission or a county [legislative body] may extend the time for filing a claim [for a
                  period not to exceed six months] until December 31 of the year the claim is required to be filed, if
                  the commission or county finds that good cause exists to extend the deadline.

- 18 -


                      [(2) Notwithstanding Subsection 59-2-1206 (1)(c)(iii), if the commission or a county
                  legislative body extends the time for filing a claim under Subsection (1), the commission or the
                  county legislative body may apply a homeowner's credit under this part against a property tax
                  liability that is more than 90 days delinquent.]
                      Section 17. Repealer.
                      This act repeals:
                      Section 59-2-1210, Effective date for homeowner's and renter's credits.

- 19 -


[Bill Documents][Bills Directory]