Low-income Housing Property Tax Exemptions

Section 2 of the act clarifies and expands the current property tax exemption for property acquired by nonprofit housing providers for low-income housing. Section 2 also clarifies that property may qualify for the property tax exemption, through construction on the property, until the property is sold or transferred. The act expands the definition of "low-income" applicants to include individuals or families who are at or below 100% of the area median income or, if the property is in a rural resort community, at or below 120% of the area median income, as well as individuals or families who are at or below 80% of the area median income and were already included in the definition. Section 1 of the act requires applicants for the exemption described in section 2 of the act to follow the same process and submit the same forms that are required for applicants for similar exemptions. Section 3 deems certain property held by community land trusts and nonprofit affordable homeownership developers to be used for a strictly charitable purpose and to consequently be exempt from property taxation in accordance with the state constitution. To qualify for the exemption, the property must be split into a separate taxable parcel from the improvements on the property and leased to the owner of the improvements as an affordable homeownership property. APPROVED by Governor May 25, 2023 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023 NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)