Tuesday, February 5, 2013

SB 152 Passes Senate


Contact: Tracy Lytwyn, Press Secretary
317-234-9221
For Immediate Release 
 
Sen. Eckerty: Senate Approves Legislation to
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.