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H.B. 313 Enrolled
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, [
(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;
(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 [
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[
(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 [
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;
(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 [
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 [
that the claimant is:
(i) the purchaser under the contract; and [
(ii) obligated to pay the taxes on the property beginning January 1 of [
exemption is claimed.
(c) 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
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 [
(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.
[
(i) a copy of the veteran's certificate of discharge from the military service of:
(A) the United States; or [
(B) this state[
(ii) other satisfactory evidence of eligible military service[
(3) If the application is made by a veteran who served in the military of the United States or
of this state prior to January 1, 1921, or by the [
orphan of that veteran, a certificate from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from any other
source required by the county [
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 [
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 [
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 [
[
(6) The [
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.
[
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) [
and tangible personal property in this state owned by the following is exempt from taxation:
(i) a blind [
(ii) the unmarried surviving [
(iii) a minor [
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 [
(1) shall[
(i) on or before September 1 in each year; and
(ii) with the county [
(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.
(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 [
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 [
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 [
residential property, subject to the conditions of Section 59-2-1109 .
(b) If the owner of [
may not be subjected to a tax sale during the period of deferment.
(2) (a) Taxes deferred by the [
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 [
(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 [
liquidated to pay the tax.
(4) Any assets transferred to relatives in the prior three-year period shall be considered by
the county [
Section 7. Section 59-2-1109 is amended to read:
59-2-1109. Indigent persons -- Deferral or abatement -- Application.
(1) [
abatement provided for poor people under Sections 59-2-1107 and 59-2-1108 unless:
(a) the county [
not made; or
(b) the person is disabled.
(2) (a) An application for the [
September 1 with the county [
[
applicant for the [
[
[
(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) [
(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[
(b) [
(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.
[
[
(a) the deferral of taxes under Section 59-2-1108 [
(b) if the person meets the requisites of this section, for the abatement of taxes under Section
59-2-1107 [
(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.
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[
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[
(b) For a mobile home, "property taxes accrued" includes taxes imposed on both the land
upon which the home is situated and [
real property or personal property taxes.
[
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 [
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 .
[
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.
[
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.
[
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.
(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 [
(b) The right to file a claim does not survive the claimant's death[
(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, [
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;
(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) [
credit shall annually file an application for the credit with the county [
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 [
county [
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.
(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.
[
[
[
whether the claimant owes delinquent property taxes.
(2) (a) (i) The county [
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 [
[
(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) [
59-2-1206 (1)(c) the amount of a credit under this part against:
(a) a claimant's property tax liability; or
(b) [
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 [
(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
[
county [
(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 [
Section 14. Section 59-2-1215 is amended to read:
59-2-1215. Fraudulent or negligently prepared claim -- Penalties and interest --
Procedure.
(1) (a) If the commission or the county [
and was filed with fraudulent intent[
(i) the claim shall be disallowed in full[
(ii) the credit shall be cancelled[
(iii) the amount paid or claimed [
(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[
(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 [
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[
(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 [
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.
[
the commission or county finds that good cause exists to extend the deadline.
[
Section 17. Repealer.
This act repeals:
Section 59-2-1210, Effective date for homeowner's and renter's credits.
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