Property Tax Relief | Video

Jessica Roose | 6/18/2012

Last week over 131,000 voters rejected a measure that if passed would have eliminated property taxes in the state. Even though the measure failed, many still believe something needs to be done to address property tax reform.

When it comes to property taxes most can agree that eliminating them entirely is not the answer.

"This is the tax that everyone loves to hate and I think that`s because of it`s regressive nature, that regardless of your ability to pay property taxes can escalate at times while your income decreases," said candidate for Governor Ryan Taylor.

Taylor met in Bismarck today to outline his plan for property tax reform that he would address in the 2013 session, if elected as Governor next fall. His plan calls for a $100,000 reduction on both residential and farm properties.

The plan would also give a tax credit to renters for 15 percent of their annual rent, up to $900.

"These credits would be in addition to the mill levy reduction that has been put forth in the past. That would continue and it would also include the existing homestead tax reductions, that are for those who are elderly and disabled with limited incomes in North Dakota."

Governor Jack Dalrymple could not meet for an interview today but sent the following statement, saying that if elected he would provide more tax cuts that benefit all taxpayers.

"Governor Jack Dalrymple delivered unprecedented tax relief to all North Dakotans in the last legislative session for a total of nearly $500 million from the state surplus. Going forward, Governor Dalrymple has pledged even more broad-based tax cuts that benefit all taxpayers. Tax relief should not be limited to certain taxpayer sub-groups, nor should it burden the taxpayer with more paperwork."

Taylor says he would use money from the state`s surplus to fund the rebates in his plan.

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