HB2479 Summary

• Creates a senior citizens homestead school levy exemption beginning in taxable year 2022 for residents age 65 or older with household income not exceeding $100,000 (indexed annually to inflation at 2% or less) who occupy property as a primary residence and have no school-enrolled household members.

• In counties with 3,000,000+ inhabitants, exemption equals the incremental K-12 school salary levy (faculty, administrator, and classified staff salaries and benefits) and may be reduced by the Consumer Price Index percentage change; in smaller counties, the exemption may be reduced by 1% annually if it does not exceed 2% of fair market value.

• Applicants must submit affidavits confirming age, household income, marital status, that no household members are enrolled in public schools, and that they own the property or have legal/equitable interest; applications are subject to verification and audit by county assessment officers.

• In counties under 3,000,000 inhabitants, applications are due February 15 (or alternative date set by county ordinance) beginning in 2023; in larger counties, applications may be submitted during periods specified by the Chief County Assessment Officer, who must provide annual notice 60-75 days prior.

• Exemption applies to single-family residences, cooperative apartments, and life care facilities; surviving spouses may continue claiming the exemption if no household members are school-enrolled; falsifying applications constitutes perjury.