ND lawmakers consider senior freeze tax bill

North Dakota property owners who are over the age of 65 would qualify for a property tax freeze under a bill aired before a Senate Committee this week.

Bill author Senator Curt Kruen of Grand Forks says it’s another way to help keep more seniors in their home upon retirement.

Under the measure homeowners would still be subject to property taxes – just not annual increases as long as they live in the state and in the home. Kruen says it’s estimated the program would cost the state some $7.5 million dollars in 2024. He says some of those dollars would be offset by savings in social service programs.  “It’s only for the people who actually have the name on the title…who live in that property.”

Kruen says in Grand Forks County there will be an estimated 5,333 over 65 owner occupied housing units by 2024.

The North Dakota League of Cities opposes the bill. They claim the “freeze” would disproportionally impact smaller cities and shift tax burdens to other property owners.

The Senate Finance and Taxation Committee took no immediate action on the plan.