Iowa House Bill HF206

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Engrossed: 2/15/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the assessment of property containing certain aboveground storage tanks and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 67.)

Impact

The enactment of HF206 would significantly impact property taxation in relation to aboveground storage tanks. By exempting these tanks from being treated as real property, the bill could potentially create a more favorable environment for businesses that rely on such storage systems. Owners would find themselves with reduced tax liabilities, which could encourage investment and expansion in industries that utilize these tanks. The bill does not apply existing provisions that would typically limit tax credits or exemptions, further easing the passage of financial benefits to taxpayers.

Summary

House File 206 (HF206) is a legislative measure aimed at modifying how aboveground storage tanks are assessed for property tax purposes in Iowa. Specifically, the bill stipulates that aboveground storage tanks of any size, which are not considered attached to the property, shall not be assessed or taxed as real property. This change seeks to provide more clarity in property tax assessment and exempt certain types of storage tanks that could have been previously classified as real estate. The bill is positioned as a means to alleviate financial burdens on property owners and streamline regulatory requirements surrounding buoyancy in property rights.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HF206 have pointed to both support and opposition, reflecting differing opinions on property tax reforms. Proponents argue that removing the assessment burdens associated with aboveground storage tanks is a necessary step to promote economic activity and reduce regulatory encumbrances. Conversely, some critics may express concerns about the implications narrow exemptions could have on local government revenues, as property taxes play a crucial role in funding public services. The retrospective applicability of the bill, effective from assessment years beginning January 1, 2023, also raises questions about its financial impact on local budgets and their capacity to absorb these changes without disruption to municipal services.