Jan. 21, 2009

Anderson offers 'real tax relief' legislation
Addressing property tax valuations, tax liability disputes would help property owners

In a time when families are struggling to afford the rising costs of necessities of all types, Rep. Glenn Anderson introduced two bills to help save homeowners money on property taxes.

"Offering real relief to property owners who see their property values plummeting in the current economic climate, but their tax bills growing due to out-dated assessments, is critical right now," said Anderson, R-Fall City. "It's about fairness. If a family gets a tax bill based on last year's valuations in today's extraordinary circumstances, it just isn't fair. Their property simply isn't worth the same amount today as it was one year ago, and property tax bills should reflect that."

Anderson added that his constituents wondered why the valuations and new tax assessments came in so high when homes and land prices continue to fall.

"It's fixable, but the Legislature has to make the change and this could not be a better time to lower the family tax bill. I believe my legislation is fair to all involved," said Anderson.

House Bill 1206 also addresses a fairness issue, he said, because under current law a person accused of not paying a property tax bill in full is considered guilty before a judge has weighed in on the case.

"Our legal system is clear - we are all presumed innocent until proven guilty. I believe that should also apply to folks, maybe at no fault of their own, who are accused of slighting the tax man," Anderson said. "It's only fair the property owner be allowed to present his or her case and have a judge decide guilt or innocence. If taxes are owed at that point, then the bill should be paid, but not before any formal judgment has been made."

The current system requiring a taxpayer to essentially post a bond before being allowed a judicial review of the circumstances, Anderson explained, is the equivalent of requiring a poll tax before voting, which the United States Supreme Court has found unconstitutional.

Both bills have been referred to the House Finance Committee. Anderson has requested a hearing on both measures.

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