ND lawmakers reject property tax break for seniors

A North Dakota Senate committee has rejected an attempt to give senior citizens a break on property taxes.

Senate Bill 22-70 would have allowed those over the age of 65 to reduce the value of a primary residence by 70%.  To qualify the individual would also need to have lived on the property for two-years and be current on all taxes.

Supporters say it’s another way to help those on a fixed income.  Alexis Baxley of the North Dakota School Board Association told lawmakers that the 65 and up crowd accounts for 16% of the state’s population.  Baxley says reducing the tax base could shift more costs onto the state or other property owners.

The committee gave the bill a DO NOT PASS recommendation on a seven-zero vote.

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Meanwhile…the House Finance and Taxation Committee discussed legislation that would freeze property values for disabled vets and homeowners over the age of 65 with incomes under $42,000 a year.   The measure also received a DO NOT PASS recommendation.