STATEHOUSE—In order to ease the burden on taxpayers with delinquent property taxes State Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) authored a bill that would allow county treasurers to set up a payment plan for property owners that owe taxes. “In these tough economic times, we want to do whatever we can to help Hoosiers keep their property,” said Rep. Friend. “The county treasurer and the taxpayer would be able to make an agreement where everyone wins. Property taxes are paid in a realistic timeframe, and people stay in their homes.” HB 1090 would expand statewide a pilot program that is currently available only in Lake County. If a taxpayer and county treasurer arrange to pay delinquent property taxes, the county auditor would be able to remove the property from a tax sale. If the taxpayer breaks the agreement to extend the payments, the property could again go to tax sale. Because of the poor economy, if a taxpayer pays delinquent property taxes between June 30, 2012, and July 1, 2013, penalties and interest may be forgiven by the county treasurer. The bill also states if a property is put on tax sale by the county, the minimum bid must be no less than 75 percent of the assessed value of the property. HB 1090 passed the House unanimously and now moves to the Senate for further consideration. “Hoosiers deserve a second chance to keep their hard-earned property. This bill would give them the breathing room they need to avoid losing their homes,” said Rep. Friend. -30- Rep. Friend authors bill to keep Hoosiers in their homes, 1-27-12.docx |
