HB 6496 Summary

• Changes poverty property tax exemption eligibility from plural ("persons") to singular ("a person") and updates language from "unable to contribute toward public charges" to "exempt from the collection of taxes."

• Requires applicants to annually affirm ownership and occupancy status in writing on a state tax commission form, replacing previous verbal or informal attestation methods.

• Permits local tax collecting units to allow qualified exemptions to remain valid for up to 3 years without reapplication if the person receives fixed public assistance income or has a permanent physical/mental disability that impedes daily living.

• Establishes requirement for persons receiving extended exemptions to file an affidavit rescinding the exemption within 30 days if they cease occupying the property or experience income/asset changes that defeat eligibility, with penalties including 1% monthly interest on back taxes if they fail to rescind.

• Requires local governing bodies to develop and publicly disclose policies and guidelines for granting exemptions, including specific income and asset level thresholds.