Contact: Tracy Lytwyn, Press Secretary
317-234-9221
For
Immediate Release
Sen. Eckerty: Senate Approves Legislation to
Protect Hoosier Homeowners from Unfair Taxes
Protect Hoosier Homeowners from Unfair Taxes
STATEHOUSE (Feb.
5, 2013) — Legislation authored by State Sen. Doug Eckerty (R-Yorktown) to
protect Hoosier homeowners passed the Senate this week by a unanimous vote.
Senate Bill 152 would assist homeowners who have
successfully appealed an assessor’s overvaluation of their property. If the
Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA) set a home’s value on an
appeal by a taxpayer, the local assessor must provide proof if he or she values
the home above the board’s finding in a later assessment.
“Essentially, we have shifted the burden of
proof from the homeowner to the county or township assessor making the original
assessment,” Eckerty said. “That assessor must now substantiate his proof with
the PTABOA to ensure the values of homes and property are not overestimated.
Hopefully, this will save homeowners from having to appeal their assessments
year after year.”
SB 152 now moves to
the House of Representatives for further consideration. Rep. Bill Davis
(R-Portland) is its sponsor.