A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "SAVE OUR PROPERTY ACT"; AND BY ADDING SECTION 12-45-440 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE AN ASSESSOR TO DEFER PROPERTY TAXES UNTIL THE NEXT YEAR ON CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL OR AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY IF AN APPLICANT'S INCOME IS LESS THAN A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF THE COUNTY MEDIAN INCOME.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would permit assessors to defer all property taxes for qualifying applicants whose income does not exceed 60% of the county's median income. For applicants earning above this threshold but less than 100%, partial deferment may be granted. The proposed legislation emphasizes the importance of income in determining property tax responsibilities, thus reshaping how tax liabilities are assessed at the local level and potentially reducing the financial burden on vulnerable populations.
Summary
House Bill 4695, known as the 'Save Our Property Act,' aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by providing property tax deferment for certain residential and agricultural properties. The bill allows individuals who have owned their property for at least twenty years or inherited it from immediate family members to apply for relief if their income is below a specified threshold relative to the county median income. This approach is intended to alleviate financial pressure on property owners, particularly those with limited economic means.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding Bill H4695 is its requirement for property owners to submit annual applications for deferment, which may introduce complexities and potential administrative challenges for both applicants and assessors. Critics may argue that while the bill seeks to help those in need, the bureaucratic requirements could deter eligible individuals from applying. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the long-term impact on local government revenue and the fairness of the income thresholds established in the bill.
Concerning procedural requirements for the administration of property tax, and, in connection therewith, modifying deadlines and certain requirements for transmitting information related to taxable property.