Bill Text: MI HB6281 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: Property tax: exemptions; property tax exemption for principal residence of certain senior citizens; provide for. Amends secs. 7u & 53b of 1893 PA 206 (MCL 211.7u & 211.53b) & adds sec. 7yy.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-3)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-06-30 - Bill Electronically Reproduced 06/30/2022 [HB6281 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-HB6281-Introduced.html
HOUSE BILL NO. 6281
A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled
"The general property tax act,"
by amending sections 7u and 53b (MCL 211.7u and 211.53b), section 7u as amended by 2020 PA 253 and section 53b as amended by 2020 PA 206, and by adding section 7yy.
the people of the state of michigan enact:
Sec. 7u. (1) The principal residence of a person who, in the judgment of the supervisor and board of review, by reason of poverty, is unable to contribute toward the public charges is eligible for exemption in whole or in part from the collection of taxes under this act. This section does not apply to the property of a corporation.
(2) To be eligible for exemption under this section, a person shall, subject to subsections (6) and (8), do all of the following on an annual basis:
(a) Own and occupy as a principal residence the property for which an exemption is requested. The person shall affirm this ownership and occupancy status in writing by filing a form prescribed by the state tax commission with the local assessing unit.
(b) File a claim with the board of review on a form prescribed by the state tax commission and provided by the local assessing unit, accompanied by federal and state income tax returns for all persons residing in the principal residence, including any property tax credit returns, filed in the immediately preceding year or in the current year. Federal and state income tax returns are not required for a person residing in the principal residence if that person was not required to file a federal or state income tax return in the tax year in which the exemption under this section is claimed or in the immediately preceding tax year. If a person was not required to file a federal or state income tax return in the tax year in which the exemption under this section is claimed or in the immediately preceding tax year, an affidavit in a form prescribed by the state tax commission may be accepted in place of the federal or state income tax return. The filing of a claim under this subsection constitutes an appearance before the board of review for the purpose of preserving the claimant's right to appeal the decision of the board of review regarding the claim.
(c) Produce a valid driver license or other form of identification if requested by the supervisor or board of review.
(d) Produce a deed, land contract, or other evidence of ownership of the property for which an exemption is requested if required by the supervisor or board of review.
(e) Meet the federal poverty guidelines published in the prior calendar year in the Federal Register by the United States Department of Health and Human Services under its authority to revise the poverty line under 42 USC 9902, or alternative guidelines adopted by the governing body of the local assessing unit provided the alternative guidelines do not provide income eligibility requirements less than the federal guidelines.
(3) The application for an exemption under this section must be filed after January 1 but before the day prior to the last day of the board of review.
(4) The governing body of the local assessing unit shall determine and make available to the public the policy and guidelines used for the granting of exemptions under this section. If the local assessing unit maintains a website, the local assessing unit shall make the policy and guidelines, and the form described in subsection (2)(b), available to the public on the website. The guidelines must include, but are not limited to, the specific income and asset levels of the claimant and total household income and assets.
(5) The board of review shall follow the policy and guidelines of the local assessing unit in granting or denying an exemption under this section. If a person claiming an exemption under this section is qualified under the eligibility requirements in subsection (2), the board of review shall grant the exemption in whole or in part, as follows:
(a) A full exemption equal to a 100% reduction in taxable value for the tax year in which the exemption is granted.
(b) A partial exemption equal to 1 of the following:
(i) A 50% or 25% reduction in taxable value for the tax year in which the exemption is granted.
(ii) As approved by the state tax commission, any other percentage reduction in taxable value for the tax year in which the exemption is granted, applied in a form and manner prescribed by the state tax commission.
(6) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, a local assessing unit may permit by resolution a principal residence exempt from the collection of taxes under this section in tax year 2019 or 2020, or both, to remain exempt under this section in subsequent tax years 2021, 2022, and 2023 without subsequent reapplication for the exemption, provided there has not been a change in ownership or occupancy status of the person eligible for exemption under subsection (2), and may permit a principal residence exempt for the first time from the collection of taxes under this section in tax year 2021, 2022, or 2023 to remain exempt under this section for up to 3 additional years after its initial year of exempt status without subsequent reapplication for the exemption, provided there has not been a change in ownership or occupancy status of the person eligible for exemption under subsection (2), this section, if the person who establishes initial eligibility under subsection (2) receives a fixed income solely from public assistance that is not subject to significant annual increases beyond the rate of inflation, such as federal Supplemental Security Income or Social Security disability or retirement benefits. Both of the following apply to a person who obtains an extended exemption under this subsection:
(a) The person shall file with the local assessing unit, in a form and manner prescribed by the state tax commission, an affidavit rescinding the exemption as extended under this subsection within 45 days after either of the following, if applicable:
(i) The person ceases to own or occupy the principal residence for which the exemption was extended.
(ii) The person experiences a change in household assets or income that defeats eligibility for the exemption under subsection (2).
(b) If the person fails to file a rescission as required under subdivision (a) and the property is later determined to be ineligible for the exemption under this section, the person is subject to repayment of any additional taxes with interest as described in this subdivision. Upon discovery that the property is no longer eligible for the exemption under this section, the assessor shall remove the exemption of that property and, if the tax roll is in the local tax collecting unit's possession, amend the tax roll to reflect the removal of the exemption, and the local treasurer shall, within 30 days of the date of the discovery, issue a corrected tax bill for any additional taxes with interest at the rate of 1% per month or fraction of a month computed from the date the taxes were last payable without interest. If the tax roll is in the county treasurer's possession, the tax roll must be amended to reflect the removal of the exemption and the county treasurer shall, within 30 days of the date of the removal, prepare and submit a supplemental tax bill for any additional taxes, together with interest at the rate of 1% per month or fraction of a month computed from the date the taxes were last payable without interest. Interest on any tax set forth in a corrected or supplemental tax bill again begins to accrue 60 days after the date the corrected or supplemental tax bill is issued at the rate of 1% per month or fraction of a month. Taxes levied in a corrected or supplemental tax bill must be returned as delinquent on the March 1 in the year immediately succeeding the year in which the corrected or supplemental tax bill is issued.
(7) A person who files a claim under this section is not prohibited from also appealing the assessment on the property for which that claim is made before the board of review in the same year.
(8) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, if the assessor determines that a principal residence of a person by reason of poverty is still eligible for this the exemption under this section and the property was exempt from the collection of taxes under this section in tax year 2019 or 2020, or both, the property shall will remain exempt from the collection of taxes under this section through tax year 2021 if, on or before February 15, 2021, the governing body of the local assessing unit in which the principal residence is located adopts a resolution that continues the exemption through tax year 2021 for all principal residences within the local assessing unit that were exempt from the collection of taxes under this section in tax year 2019 or 2020, or both. The local assessing unit may require the owner of a principal residence exempt from the collection of taxes under this subsection to affirm ownership, poverty, and occupancy status in writing by filing with the local assessing unit the form prescribed by the state tax commission under subsection (2)(a).
(9) A local assessing unit that adopts a resolution under subsection (6) or (8) must develop and implement an audit program that includes, but is not limited to, the audit of all information filed under subsection (2). If property is determined to be ineligible for exemption as a result of an audit, the person who filed for the exemption under subsection (2) is subject to repayment of additional taxes including interest to be paid as provided in subsection (6)(b). The state tax commission shall issue a bulletin providing further guidance to local assessing units on the development and implementation of an audit program under this subsection.
(10) As used in this section, "principal residence" means principal residence or qualified agricultural property as those terms are defined in section 7dd.
Sec. 7yy. (1) A local assessing unit may permit by resolution the principal residence of individuals who are at least 65 years old to be exempt in whole or in part from the collection of taxes under this act, subject to subsection (2).
(2) To be eligible for an exemption established under subsection (1), an individual must do all of the following:
(a) Own and occupy as a principal residence the property for which the exemption is claimed.
(b) Be at least 65 years old.
(c) Meet requirements, if any, that may be established by resolution of the local assessing unit concerning the individual's eligibility for a full or partial exemption based on maximum income and asset levels of qualified claimants and provide documentation of that income- and asset-level eligibility as may be required by the local assessing unit.
(d) File a claim affirming his or her eligibility under subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) with the local assessing unit on a form prescribed by the state tax commission and provided by the local assessing unit.
(e) Produce a valid driver license or other form of identification if required by the local assessing unit or board of review.
(f) Produce a deed, land contract, or other evidence of ownership of the property for which an exemption is claimed if required by the local assessing unit or board of review.
(3) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (5), an individual claiming an exemption under this section must file a claim under subsection (2) on or after January 1 and before the day prior to the last day of the board of review for each year the exemption is claimed.
(4) The filing of a claim under subsection (2) constitutes an appearance before the board of review for the purpose of preserving the claimant's right to appeal the decision of the board of review regarding the claim.
(5) A local assessing unit may permit by resolution a principal residence exempt from the collection of taxes under this section to remain exempt under this section in subsequent tax years without subsequent reapplication for the exemption, provided there has not been a change in ownership or occupancy status of the individual eligible for exemption under this section. Both of the following apply to an individual who obtains an extended exemption under this subsection:
(a) The individual shall file with the local assessing unit, in a form and manner prescribed by the state tax commission, an affidavit rescinding the exemption as extended under this subsection within 45 days after the person ceases to own or occupy the principal residence for which the exemption was extended.
(b) If the individual fails to file a rescission as required under subdivision (a) and the property is later determined to be ineligible for the exemption under this section, the individual is subject to repayment of any additional taxes with interest as described in this subdivision. Upon discovery that the property is no longer eligible for the exemption under this section, the assessor shall remove the exemption of that property and, if the tax roll is in the local tax collecting unit's possession, amend the tax roll to reflect the removal of the exemption, and the local treasurer shall, within 30 days after the date of the discovery, issue a corrected tax bill for any additional taxes with interest at the rate of 1% per month or fraction of a month computed from the date the taxes were last payable without interest. If the tax roll is in the county treasurer's possession, the tax roll must be amended to reflect the removal of the exemption and the county treasurer shall, within 30 days after the date of the removal, prepare and submit a supplemental tax bill for any additional taxes, together with interest at the rate of 1% per month or fraction of a month computed from the date the taxes were last payable without interest. Interest on any tax set forth in a corrected or supplemental tax bill again begins to accrue 60 days after the date the corrected or supplemental tax bill is issued at the rate of 1% per month or fraction of a month. Taxes levied in a corrected or supplemental tax bill must be returned as delinquent on March 1 in the year immediately succeeding the year in which the corrected or supplemental tax bill is issued.
(6) A local assessing unit may require the owner of property exempt from the collection of taxes under subsection (5) to file with the local assessing unit a statement affirming his or her ownership and occupancy status as to that property in a form and manner prescribed by the state tax commission.
(7) An individual who files a claim under this section is not prohibited from also appealing the assessment on the property for which that claim is made before the board of review in the same year.
(8) A local assessing unit that adopts a resolution under subsection (5) shall develop and implement an audit program that includes, but is not limited to, the audit of all information filed under subsection (2). If property is determined to be ineligible for exemption as a result of an audit, the individual who filed for the exemption under subsection (2) is subject to repayment of additional taxes including interest to be paid as provided in subsection (5)(b). The state tax commission shall issue a bulletin providing further guidance to local assessing units on the development and implementation of an audit program under this subsection.
(9) As used in this section, "principal residence" means principal residence or qualified agricultural property as those terms are defined in section 7dd.
Sec. 53b. (1) If there has been a qualified error, the qualified error must be verified by the local assessing officer and approved by the board of review. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (7), the board of review shall meet for the purposes of this section on Tuesday following the second Monday in December and on Tuesday following the third Monday in July. If approved, the board of review shall file an affidavit within 30 days relative to the qualified error with the proper officials and all affected official records must be corrected. If the qualified error results in an overpayment or underpayment, the rebate, including any interest paid, must be made to the taxpayer or the taxpayer must be notified and payment made within 30 days of the notice. A rebate must be without interest. The treasurer in possession of the appropriate tax roll may deduct the rebate from the appropriate tax collecting unit's subsequent distribution of taxes. The treasurer in possession of the appropriate tax roll shall bill to the appropriate tax collecting unit the tax collecting unit's share of taxes rebated. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (6) and section 27a(4), a correction under this subsection may be made for the current year and the immediately preceding year only.
(2) Action pursuant to subsection (1) may be initiated by the taxpayer or the assessing officer.
(3) The board of review meeting in July and December shall meet must be held only for the purpose described in subsection (1) and to hear appeals provided for in sections 7u, 7cc, 7ee, and 7jj, and 7yy. If an exemption under section 7u or 7yy is approved, the board of review shall file an affidavit with the proper officials involved in the assessment and collection of taxes and all affected official records must be corrected. If an appeal under section 7cc, 7ee, or 7jj results in a determination that an overpayment has been made, the board of review shall file an affidavit and a rebate must be made at the times and in the manner provided in subsection (1). Except as otherwise provided in sections 7cc, 7ee, and 7jj, a correction under this subsection must be made for the year in which the appeal is made only. If the board of review approves an exemption or provides a rebate for property under section 7cc, 7ee, or 7jj as provided in this subsection, the board of review shall require the owner to execute the affidavit provided for in section 7cc, 7ee, or 7jj and shall forward a copy of any section 7cc affidavits to the department of treasury.
(4) If an exemption under section 7cc is approved by the board of review under this section, the provisions of section 7cc apply. If an exemption under section 7cc is not approved by the board of review under this section, the owner may appeal that decision in writing to the department of treasury within 35 days of the board of review's denial and the appeal must be conducted as provided in section 7cc(8).
(5) An owner or assessor may appeal a decision of the board of review under this section regarding an exemption under section 7ee or 7jj to the residential and small claims division of the Michigan tax tribunal. An owner is not required to pay the amount of tax in dispute in order to receive a final determination of the residential and small claims division of the Michigan tax tribunal. However, interest and penalties, if any, will accrue and be computed based on interest and penalties that would have accrued from the date the taxes were originally levied as if there had not been an exemption.
(6) A correction under this section that approves a principal residence exemption under section 7cc may be made for the year in which the appeal was filed and the 3 immediately preceding tax years.
(7) The governing body of the city or township may authorize, by adoption of an ordinance or resolution, 1 or more of the following alternative meeting dates for the purposes of this section:
(a) An alternative meeting date during the week of the second Monday in December.
(b) An alternative meeting date during the week of the third Monday in July.
(8) As used in this section, "qualified error" means 1 or more of the following:
(a) A clerical error relative to the correct assessment figures, the rate of taxation, or the mathematical computation relating to the assessing of taxes.
(b) A mutual mistake of fact.
(c) An adjustment under section 27a(4) or an exemption under section 7hh(3)(b).
(d) An error of measurement or calculation of the physical dimensions or components of the real property being assessed.
(e) An error of omission or inclusion of a part of the real property being assessed.
(f) An error regarding the correct taxable status of the real property being assessed.
(g) An error made by the taxpayer in preparing the statement of assessable personal property under section 19.
(h) An error made in the denial of a claim of exemption for personal property under section 9o.
(i) An issue beyond the control of a disabled veteran or his or her unremarried surviving spouse that causes a denial of an exemption under section 7b. An issue beyond the control of a disabled veteran or his or her unremarried surviving spouse means an error made by the local tax collecting unit in the processing of a timely filed exemption affidavit or a delay in the determination by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs that a veteran is permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans' benefits at the 100% rate.
