Eliminate Property Tax Abatement Refund Interest

If property taxes are levied erroneously or illegally and a taxpayer has not protested the valuation within the time permitted by law, then the taxpayer has 2 years from the start of the property tax year to file a petition for abatement or refund. The board of county commissioners is required to abate the taxes, and the taxpayer is entitled to a refund for the incorrect amount and, in some circumstances, refund interest equal to 1% per month. The bill delays the start of the refund interest so that it accrues from the date a complete abatement petition is filed, with the exception of an abatement or refund for taxes paid as a result of omitted property being added to the assessment roll. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)