HB 3755
Creates a property tax exemption for the owner-occupied principal dwelling of seniors who are at least 65 years of age, have resided in the dwelling for at least 10 years and have a household income not greater than $150,000 per year.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
94%
Oppose
6%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill creates a property tax exemption for senior homeowners in Oregon. To qualify, individuals must be at least 65 years old, have lived in their principal dwelling for at least 10 years, and have an adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less. The exemption amount increases annually based on the homeowner’s age, ranging from 5% to 100% of the assessed value of their property. Claims must be filed with the county assessor and include specific documentation.
Key provisions
- Provides a property tax exemption for senior homeowners.
- Eligibility requires age of 65 or older, 10-year residency, and income not exceeding $150,000.
- Exemption percentage increases with age, up to 100% for those 84 or older.
- Claims must be filed with the county assessor by January 1st and on or before the age qualification date.
- Annual adjustment of income limits and fee amounts based on the Consumer Price Index.
- Claims can be filed after the age qualification date with a fee.
- The exemption is canceled if the homeowner dies, sells the property, or no longer meets the eligibility criteria.
Who is affected
- Senior citizens
- Homeowners
- Property taxpayers
- Local governments (assessing authorities)
- Oregon residents
Notable changes
- Increases the property tax exemption for seniors.
- Establishes income limits for eligibility.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB3755 believe that the proposed legislation would provide significant relief to seniors on fixed incomes, alleviating financial burdens and allowing them to make necessary home improvements. Many that property taxes are unfair to retirees, as they increase annually and outpace retirement income, forcing vulnerable individuals like the submitter who was forced to move out of her home due to unaffordable property taxes. The measure is seen as a source of relief and help for seniors and long-time residents, enabling them to stay in their own homes despite increasing costs and stagnant income. By exempting seniors from property taxes on their primary residence, the bill aims to address rising costs and provide much-needed financial support, allowing them to prioritize basic needs like food and heat over other expenses.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of House Bill 3755 express concerns that the proposed property tax relief for Oregon seniors is insufficient and may have unintended consequences. Many that exempting only individuals with income above a certain threshold, rather than total household wealth, would create eligibility criteria issues and unfairly target specific groups, such as renters or those on fixed incomes. Additionally, opponents worry that eliminating personal property taxes for seniors could lead to increased costs for local governments, reduced services, and a shift of the burden onto other taxpayers, potentially harming essential services like public safety, education, and libraries.