IL HB0832

Creates the Vacancy Fraud Act allowing taxing bodies to file complaints with county boards of review when vacant property owners receive tax relief but are not actively attempting to lease, sell, or alter the property.

County boards of review have authority to review vacancy fraud complaints for properties that received vacancy relief for 2 consecutive tax years within the last 5 years.

Establishes 10 factors for boards to consider when determining if owners are actively marketing properties, including signs, newspaper/internet advertisements, use of real estate professionals, reasonable pricing, pending contracts, and time to sale or lease.

Upon finding vacancy fraud, boards may prohibit future vacancy relief, require payment of 3 times back taxes owed, impose interest up to 10% annually, and impose penalties up to 25% of back taxes for repeat offenders penalized 2 or more times within 5 years.

Unpaid taxes go to taxing districts; interest and penalties go to the chief county assessment officer's office for public education on the Act's provisions.