House Bill 1504 Summary

• County fiscal bodies may adopt an ordinance to establish a county property tax appeals defense fund to pay litigation and dispute resolution expenses, including appraisal fees, attorney fees, expert witness fees, and mediator fees.

• Counties may retain up to 5% of property taxes, penalties, and interest owed by taxpayers after a property tax appeal is final or settled, to be deposited into the defense fund.

• The county treasurer administers the fund, which may also receive appropriations from the county and other taxing units, plus investment income on fund balances.

• Excess money in the fund reverts to the county general fund at year-end based on a three-year rolling average calculation, with a minimum retention of zero dollars during the first three years after fund establishment.

• Effective date: July 1, 2013.