Bill > SB208

This bill mandates that in property classification or assessment appeals, if an owner or taxpayer wins their case, they must be reimbursed for certain expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, especially if the property's reclassification or assessment reduction is significant (at least twenty percent). Conversely, if the owner or taxpayer loses, the county must be awarded these costs. The bill also clarifies that if the reduction in assessment is less than twenty percent, the court has the discretion to award these costs to the owner or taxpayer. Importantly, these reimbursements will not be awarded if the owner or taxpayer actively obstructed the director of equalization's ability to properly assess the property. This legislation aims to provide financial relief to property owners and taxpayers who successfully challenge their property's classification or assessment, while also ensuring accountability for those who hinder the assessment process.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/26916