BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO/PRAIRIE PUBLIC) – 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 Sen. Curt Kruen of Grand Forks said 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 said it’s estimated the program would cost the state some $7.5 million in 2024. He said some of those dollars would be offset by savings in social service programs.
“It’s only for the people that actually have the name on the title of the property and have to live in that property,” Kruen said. “So, you’re not giving anybody any kind of a tax break that is outside the state. You can’t rent it out to your niece, or your nephew, or your son, or whoever it might be because, if that happens, it goes onto the regular tax rolls.”
The North Dakota League of Cities opposes the bill. They claim the “freeze” would disproportionately impact smaller cities and shift tax burdens to other property owners.
The Senate Finance and Taxation Committee took no immediate action on the plan.
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