Bill > S1964

This bill amends Section 38D of Chapter 59 to modify rules around property valuation information returns. The bill allows boards of assessors to request written, sworn returns from property owners or lessees within 60 days to help determine the fair cash value of real property. If an owner or lessee fails to comply within 60 days, they can be automatically barred from filing an appeal with the appellate tax board. Extensions will only be granted if the applicant was genuinely unable to comply or attempted to do so in good faith. Making a knowingly false statement in such a return can bar the owner from statutory appeals. The bill introduces specific penalties for non-compliance: residential property owners will be fined $50 for single-family homes and $250 for other residential properties, while commercial and industrial property owners will face a $250 penalty for the next tax year. These penalties will only be applied if the board of assessors explicitly warned the owner that failure to submit the required information would result in such a fine. The goal of these provisions is to ensure property owners provide accurate and timely information for property tax assessment purposes.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1964