H.B. 1043 Summary

• Replaces multiple district boards of review with a single tax appeal review panel comprised of no more than three full-time members appointed by the director of taxation for five-year terms.

• Panel members shall be removable by the director of taxation for cause, including rendering decisions not supported by a "reasonable basis" as defined in section 231-36.8.

• Authorizes the tax appeal review panel to employ its own legal counsel and professional staff, exempting it from state civil service and collective bargaining requirements.

• Allows taxpayers to petition the department for administrative appeals and dispute resolution only after issuance of a final assessment (rather than proposed assessment).

• Permits taxpayers with pending board of review appeals to either continue before the existing board or withdraw and refile with the new panel; all remaining appeals automatically transfer to the panel on January 1, 2021.