Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
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Property Tax Revisions
2025 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Chris H. Wilson
House Sponsor: Steve Eliason
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LONG TITLE
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General Description:
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This bill modifies provisions in the Property Tax Act.
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Highlighted Provisions:
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This bill:
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▸ requires counties to annually provide the State Tax Commission (commission) with a
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preliminary assessment book before delivery to the county auditor;
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▸ requires the commission to take corrective action upon a county officer's noncompliance
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with assessment duties;
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▸ describes forms of corrective action that the commission may take against a county
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officer;
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▸ requires commission assistance upon a county officer's noncompliance with assessment
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duties for a certain period of time;
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▸ increases the costs paid by counties that request and receive appraisal assistance from the
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commission;
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▸ repeals newspaper publication requirements applicable to certain property tax increase
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proposals;
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▸ requires taxing entities holding a public hearing for certain property tax increase
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proposals to allow for in-person or virtual participation;
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▸ requires the property tax valuation notice provided by county auditors to include taxpayer
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instructions for appealing a property's valuation;
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▸ removes tax payment information from the property tax valuation notice provided by
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county auditors;
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▸ requires the commission to provide education and training to specified county officers in
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addition to hearing officers; S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
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▸ requires county officers subject to the education and training requirements to complete
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the education and training before performing valuation-related work;
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▸ allows the commission to require education and training for other county officers
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involved in property valuation;
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▸ requires counties to ensure taxpayers have the ability to submit property valuation appeals
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through electronic means;
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▸ requires counties to annually report appeals information to the commission for reporting
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to the Legislature;
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▸ requires the tax notice provided by county treasurers to include information regarding
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payment options;
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▸ requires the Multicounty Appraisal Trust to use trust funds to:
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● develop and maintain a statewide web portal for uniform access to property
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characteristics and features;
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● develop and maintain a statewide web portal for the uniform electronic filing of
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property valuation appeal applications; and
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● assist counties in reporting appeals information to the commission;
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▸ establishes timing requirements for counties to complete a review of certain applications
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for farmland and urban farming property tax assessment required after land changes
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ownership; and
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▸ makes technical and conforming changes.
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Money Appropriated in this Bill:
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None
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Other Special Clauses:
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This bill provides a special effective date.
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Utah Code Sections Affected:
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AMENDS:
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59-1-210 (Effective 05/07/25), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 329
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59-2-303.1 (Effective 05/07/25), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 263
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59-2-311 (Effective 01/01/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 16
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59-2-509 (Effective 05/07/25), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2002, Chapter 141
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59-2-702.5 (Effective 05/07/25), as enacted by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 263
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59-2-703 (Effective 05/07/25), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 263
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59-2-704 (Effective 05/07/25), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2001, Chapter 9
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59-2-919 (Effective 05/07/25), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 246
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59-2-919.1 (Effective 01/01/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 246
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59-2-919.2 (Effective 05/07/25), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 246
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59-2-1001 (Effective 01/01/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 200
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59-2-1004 (Effective 01/01/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapters 252,
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263 and 353
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59-2-1317 (Effective 05/07/25), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 430
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59-2-1602 (Effective 01/01/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapters 239,
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451
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59-2-1606 (Effective 01/01/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapters 263,
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315
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59-2-1708 (Effective 05/07/25), as enacted by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 197
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ENACTS:
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59-2-331 (Effective 05/07/25), Utah Code Annotated 1953
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59-2-1018 (Effective 01/01/26), Utah Code Annotated 1953
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Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
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Section 1. Section 59-1-210 is amended to read:
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59-1-210 (Effective 05/07/25). General powers and duties.
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The powers and duties of the commission are as follows:
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(1) to sue and be sued in its own name;
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(2) to adopt rules and policies consistent with the Constitution and laws of this state to
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govern the commission, executive director, division directors, and commission
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employees in the performance of their duties;
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(3) to adopt rules and policies consistent with the Constitution and laws of the state, to
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govern county boards and officers in the performance of any duty relating to assessment,
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equalization, and collection of taxes;
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(4) to prescribe the use of forms relating to the assessment of property for state or local
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taxation, the equalization of those assessments, the reporting of property or income for
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state or local taxation purposes, or for the computation of those taxes and the reporting
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of any information, statistics, or data required by the commission;
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(5) to administer and supervise the tax laws of the state;
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(6) to prepare and maintain from year to year a complete record of all lands subject to
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taxation in this state, and all machinery used in mining and all property or surface
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improvements upon or appurtenant to mines or mining claims;
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(7) to exercise general supervision over county assessors[ and] , county boards of
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equalization[ including the authority to enforce Section 59-2-303.1], and [over ]other
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county officers in the performance of their duties relating to the assessment of property
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and collection of taxes, so that all assessments of property are [just] uniform and equal,
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according to fair market value, and that the tax burden is distributed without favor or
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discrimination;
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(8) to reconvene any county board of equalization which, when reconvened, may only
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address business approved by the commission and extend the time for which any county
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board of equalization may sit for the equalization of assessments;
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(9) to confer with, advise, and direct county treasurers, assessors, and other county officers
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in matters relating to the assessment and equalization of property for taxation and the
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collection of taxes;
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(10) to provide for and hold annually at such time and place as may be convenient a district
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or state convention of county assessors, auditors, and other county officers to consider
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and discuss matters relative to taxation, uniformity of valuation, and changes in the law
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relative to taxation and methods of assessment, to which county assessors and other
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officers called to attend shall attend at county expense;
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(11) to direct proceedings, actions, and prosecutions to enforce the laws relating to the
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penalties, liabilities, and punishments of public officers, persons, and officers or agents
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of corporations for failure or neglect to comply with the statutes governing the reporting,
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assessment, and taxation of property;
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(12) to cause complaints to be made in the proper court seeking removal from office of
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assessors, auditors, members of county boards, and other assessing, taxing, or disbursing
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officers, who are guilty of official misconduct or neglect of duty;
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(13) to require county attorneys to immediately institute and prosecute actions and
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proceedings in respect to penalties, forfeitures, removals, and punishments for violations
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of the laws relating to the assessment and taxation of property in their respective
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counties;
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(14) to require any person to furnish any information required by the commission to
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ascertain the value and the relative burden borne by all kinds of property in the state, and
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to require from all state and local officers any information necessary for the proper
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discharge of the duties of the commission;
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(15) to examine all records relating to the valuation of property of any person;
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(16) to subpoena witnesses to appear and give testimony and produce records relating to
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any matter before the commission;
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(17) to cause depositions of witnesses to be taken as in civil actions at the request of the
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commission or any party to any matter or proceeding before the commission;
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(18) to authorize any member or employee of the commission to administer oaths and
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affirmations in any matter or proceeding relating to the exercise of the powers and duties
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of the commission;
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(19) to visit periodically each county of the state, to investigate and direct the work and
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methods of local assessors and other officials in the assessment, equalization, and
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taxation of property, and to ascertain whether the law requiring the assessment of all
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property not exempt from taxation, and the collection of taxes, have been properly
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administered and enforced;
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(20) to carefully examine all cases where evasion or violation of the laws for assessment
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and taxation of property is alleged, to ascertain whether existing laws are defective or
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improperly administered;
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(21) to furnish to the governor from time to time such assistance and information as the
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governor requires;
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(22) to transmit to the governor and to each member of the Legislature recommendations as
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to legislation which will correct or eliminate defects in the operation of the tax laws and
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will equalize the burden of taxation within the state;
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(23) to correct any error in any assessment made by it at any time before the tax is due and
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report the correction to the county auditor, who shall enter the corrected assessment
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upon the assessment roll;
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(24) to compile and publish statistics relating to taxation in the state and prepare and submit
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an annual budget to the governor for inclusion in the state budget to be submitted to the
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Legislature;
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(25) to perform any further duties imposed by law, and exercise all powers necessary in the
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performance of its duties;
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(26) to adopt a schedule of fees assessed for services provided by the commission, unless
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otherwise provided by statute. The fee shall be reasonable and fair, and shall reflect the
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cost of services provided. Each fee established in this manner shall be submitted to and
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approved by the Legislature as part of the commission's annual appropriations request.
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The commission may not charge or collect any fee proposed in this manner without
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approval by the Legislature;
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(27) to comply with the procedures and requirements of Title 63G, Chapter 4,
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Administrative Procedures Act, in its adjudicative proceedings; and
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(28) to distribute the money deposited into the Rural Health Care Facilities Account as
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required by Section 26B-1-308.
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Section 2. Section 59-2-303.1 is amended to read:
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59-2-303.1 (Effective 05/07/25). Mandatory cyclical appraisals.
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(1) For purposes of this section:
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[(a) "Corrective action" includes:]
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[(i) factoring pursuant to Section 59-2-704;]
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[(ii) notifying the state auditor that the county failed to comply with the requirements
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of this section; or]
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[(iii) filing a petition for a court order requiring a county to take action.]
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[(b)] (a) "Mass appraisal system" means a computer assisted mass appraisal system that:
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(i) a county assessor uses to value real property; and
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(ii) includes at least the following system features:
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(A) has the ability to update all parcels of real property located within the county
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each year;
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(B) can be programmed with specialized criteria;
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(C) provides uniform and equal treatment of parcels within the same class of real
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property throughout the county; and
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(D) annually updates all parcels of residential real property within the county
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using accepted valuation methodologies as determined by rule.
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[(c)] (b) "Property review date" means the date a county assessor completes a detailed
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review of the property characteristics of a parcel of real property in accordance with
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Subsection (3)(a).
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(2)(a) The county assessor shall annually update property values of property as provided
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in Section 59-2-301 based on a systematic review of current market data.
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(b) The county assessor shall conduct the annual update described in Subsection (2)(a)
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by using a mass appraisal system.
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(c) The county assessor and the commission shall jointly certify that the county's mass
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appraisal system meets the requirements:
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(i) described in Subsection (1)(b); and
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(ii) of the commission.
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(3)(a) In addition to the requirements in Subsection (2), the county assessor shall
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complete a detailed review of property characteristics for each property at least once
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every five years.
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(b) The county assessor shall maintain on the county's mass appraisal system, a record of
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the last property review date for each parcel of real property located within the
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county assessor's county.
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(c)(i) The county assessor shall maintain on the county's mass appraisal system a
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parcel's property tax class or category that is used for the purpose of property tax
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assessment on the annual assessment date.
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(ii) The classifications or categories of real property under Subsection (3)(c)(i) shall
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include, at minimum:
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(A) primary residential;
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(B) commercial;
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(C) vacant land;
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(D) secondary residential; and
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(E) non-taxable.
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(iii) The classifications or categories of real property used by the county assessor, and
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the classification or category applied to a specific parcel, is public information.
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[(4)(a) The commission shall take corrective action if the commission determines that:]
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[(i) a county assessor has not satisfactorily followed the current mass appraisal
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standards, as provided by law;]
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[(ii) the sales-assessment ratio, coefficients of dispersion, or other statistical measures
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of appraisal performance related to the studies required by Section 59-2-704 are
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not within the standards provided by law; or]
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[(iii) the county assessor has failed to comply with the requirements of this section.]
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[(b) If a county assessor fails to comply with the requirements of this section for one
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year, the commission shall assist the county assessor in fulfilling the requirements of
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Subsections (2) and (3).]
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[(c) If a county assessor fails to comply with the requirements of this section for two
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consecutive years, the county will lose the county's allocation of the revenue
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generated statewide from the imposition of the multicounty assessing and collecting
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levy authorized in Sections 59-2-1602 and 59-2-1603.]
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[(d) If a county loses its allocation of the revenue generated statewide from the
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imposition of the multicounty assessing and collecting levy described in Subsection
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(4)(c), the revenue the county would have received shall be distributed to the
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Multicounty Appraisal Trust created by interlocal agreement by all counties in the
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state.]
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[(5)] (4)(a) [On or before July 1, 2008, the] The county assessor shall prepare a five-year
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plan to comply with the requirements of Subsections (2) and (3).
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(b) The plan shall be available in the county assessor's office for review by the public
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upon request.
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(c) The plan shall be annually reviewed and revised as necessary.
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[(6)] (5)(a) A county assessor shall create, maintain, and regularly update a database
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containing the following information that the county assessor may use to enhance the
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county's ability to accurately appraise and assess property on an annual basis:
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(i) fee and other appraisals;
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(ii) property characteristics and features;
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(iii) property surveys;
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(iv) sales data; and
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(v) any other data or information on sales, studies, transfers, changes to property, or
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property characteristics.
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(b) A county assessor may provide access to the information in the database to another
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county assessor that requests assistance in accordance with Section 59-2-303.
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Section 3. Section 59-2-311 is amended to read:
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59-2-311 (Effective 01/01/26). Completion and delivery of assessment book --
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Signed statement required -- Contents of signed statement -- Adjustment of assessment in
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assessment book -- Delivery of preliminary assessment book to commission.
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(1) Before May 22 each year, the county assessor shall complete and deliver the assessment
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book to the county auditor.
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substantially as follows:
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I, ____, the assessor of ____ County, do swear that before May 22, _______(year), I
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made diligent inquiry and examination, and either personally or by deputy, established the
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value of all of the property within the county subject to assessment by me; that the property
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has been assessed on the assessment book equally and uniformly according to the best of my
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judgment, information, and belief at its fair market value; that I have faithfully complied with
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all the duties imposed on the assessor under the revenue laws including the requirements of
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Section 59-2-303.1; and that I have not imposed any unjust or double assessments through
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malice or ill will or otherwise, or allowed anyone to escape a just and equal assessment
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through favor or reward, or otherwise.
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(3) Before completing and delivering the assessment book under Subsection (1), the county
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assessor shall adjust the assessment of property in the assessment book to reflect an
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adjustment in the taxable value of any property if the adjustment in taxable value is
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made:
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(a) by the county board of equalization in accordance with Section 59-2-1004.5 on or
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before May 15; or
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(b) by the county assessor in accordance with Section 59-2-303.2.
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(4)(a) Before completing and delivering the assessment book under Subsection (1), the
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county assessor shall deliver a preliminary assessment book to the commission on or
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before May 15 of each year for review by the commission.
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(b) The commission shall annually:
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(i) review the preliminary assessment book for each county delivered under
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Subsection (4)(a); and
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(ii) track the assessments for each county.
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Section 4. Section 59-2-331 is enacted to read:
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59-2-331 (Effective 05/07/25). Corrective action by commission.
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(1) As used in this section:
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(a) "County officer" means a county assessor, a member of a county board of
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equalization, or any other individual who holds a county office.
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(b) "Multicounty assessing and collecting levy" means the same as that term is defined
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in Section 59-2-1601.
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(2) The commission shall take corrective action if the commission determines that a county
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officer has materially failed to perform a duty under this chapter relating to the
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assessment of property.
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(3) Corrective action under Subsection (2) may include one or more of the following
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actions:
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(a) notifying a county officer in writing of the performance issue;
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(b) ordering factoring pursuant to Section 59-2-704;
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(c) subject to Subsection (4):
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(i) recommending the removal of a county officer; or
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(ii) filing a petition for a court order requiring a county officer to take action;
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(d) reporting suspected misconduct or malfeasance of a county officer to law
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enforcement agencies, as appropriate; and
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(e) taking any other action the commission determines is appropriate to ensure that:
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(i) all assessments of property are uniform and equal, according to fair market value;
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and
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(ii) the tax burden is distributed without favor or discrimination.
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(4)(a) Before taking a corrective action described in Subsection (3)(c) against a county
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officer, the commission shall publish notice of the commission's intent to take the
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corrective action on:
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(i) the commission's public website; and
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(ii) the Utah Public Notice Website created in Section 63A-16-601.
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(b) After taking a corrective action described in Subsection (3)(c) against a county
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officer, the commission shall provide written notice of the corrective action to:
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(i) the county officer subject to the corrective action;
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(ii) the county legislative body of the county for which the county officer described
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in Subsection (4)(b)(i) holds office;
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(iii) the state auditor;
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(iv) the president of the Senate; and
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(v) the speaker of the House of Representatives.
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(5) If the commission determines that a county officer has materially failed to perform a
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duty under this chapter relating to the assessment of property for a period of one year or
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longer, the commission shall:
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(a) assist the county officer in performing the duty required by this chapter; and
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(b) charge the county the full amount of the commission's costs in providing assistance
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under this Subsection (5).
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Section 5. Section 59-2-509 is amended to read:
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59-2-509 (Effective 05/07/25). Change of ownership or legal description.
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(1) Subject to the other provisions of this section, land assessed under this part may
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continue to be assessed under this part if the land continues to comply with the
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requirements of this part, regardless of whether the land continues to have:
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(a) the same owner; or
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(b) legal description.
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(2) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), land described in Subsection (1) is subject to the
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rollback tax as provided in Section 59-2-506 if the land is withdrawn from this part.
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(3) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), land is withdrawn from this part if:
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(a) there is a change in:
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(i) the ownership of the land; or
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(ii) the legal description of the land; and
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(b) after a change described in Subsection (3)(a):
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(i) the land does not meet the requirements of Section 59-2-503;[ or]
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(ii) an owner of the land fails to submit a new application for assessment as provided
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in Section 59-2-508[.] within 120 days after the day on which a change described
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in Subsection (3)(a) occurs; or
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(iii)(A) an owner of the land submits the application required by this section; and
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(B) the county denies the application upon review.
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[(4) An application required by this section shall be submitted within 120 days after the day
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on which there is a change described in Subsection (3)(a).]
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(4) Within 30 days from the day on which a county receives an application required by this
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section, the county shall:
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(a) review the application for completion; and
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(b) approve or deny the application.
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(5) Land under an application required by this section is not withdrawn from this part for
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the period in which the application is under review by the county.
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Section 6. Section 59-2-702.5 is amended to read:
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59-2-702.5 (Effective 05/07/25). Education and training for county assessors.
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(1)(a) The commission shall conduct a program of education and training for county
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assessors that offers instruction on:
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(i) a county assessor's statutory obligations; and
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(ii) the practical application of mass appraisal techniques to satisfy a county
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assessor's statutory obligations.
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(b) The commission shall confer a designation of completion upon a county assessor
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each time that the county assessor completes the program under Subsection (1)(a).
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(2)[(a)] A county assessor shall obtain a designation of completion under Subsection
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(1)(b) within 12 months after the day on which the county assessor starts a term of
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office.
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[(b) If a county assessor fails to obtain a designation of completion, the commission
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shall take corrective action, as defined in Section 59-2-303.1.]
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Section 7. Section 59-2-703 is amended to read:
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59-2-703 (Effective 05/07/25). Commission to assist county assessors --
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Appraisers provided upon request -- Costs of services -- Contingency fee arrangements
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prohibited.
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(1)[(a) The ] Except as provided in Section 59-2-331, the commission shall, upon request
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and pursuant to mutual agreement, provide county assessors with technical assistance
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and appraisal aid.
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[(b)] (a) The commission shall provide certified or licensed appraisers who, upon request
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of the county assessor and pursuant to mutual agreement, shall perform appraisals of
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property and other technical services as needed by the county assessor.
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[(c)] (b) The commission shall calculate the costs of these services based on the number
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of days of services rendered.
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[(d)] (c) Each county shall pay to the commission [50% of] an amount equal to the cost
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of the services that the county receives.
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(2)(a) Both the commission and counties may contract with a private firm or an
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individual to conduct appraisals.
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(b) A county assessor may request the private firm or individual conducting appraisals to
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assist the county assessor in meeting the requirements of Section 59-2-303.1.
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(c)(i) Notwithstanding Title 63G, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and
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Management Act, the commission and counties may disclose the name of the
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taxpayer and the taxpayer's address to the contract appraiser.
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(ii) A private appraiser is subject to the confidentiality requirements and penalty
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provisions provided in Title 63G, Chapter 2, Part 8, Remedies.
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(d)(i) Neither the commission nor a county may contract with a private firm or an
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individual under a contingency fee arrangement to assess property or prosecute or
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defend an appeal.
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(ii) An appraisal that has been prepared on a contingency fee basis may not be
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allowed in any proceeding before a county board of equalization or the
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commission.
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Section 8. Section 59-2-704 is amended to read:
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59-2-704 (Effective 05/07/25). Assessment studies -- Sharing of data -- Factoring
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assessment rates -- Rulemaking.
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(1)(a) Each year, to assist in the evaluation of appraisal performance of taxable real
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property, the commission shall conduct and publish studies to determine the
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relationship between the market value shown on the assessment roll and the market
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value of real property in each county.
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(b) The studies conducted under this Subsection (1) shall include measurements of
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uniformity within counties and use statistical methods established by the commission.
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(c) County assessors may provide sales information to the commission for purposes of
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the studies conducted under this Subsection (1).
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(d) The commission shall make the sales and appraisal information related to the studies
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conducted under this Subsection (1) available to the assessors upon request.
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(2)(a) The commission shall, each year, order each county to adjust or factor its
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assessment rates using the most current studies so that the assessment rate in each
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county is in accordance with that prescribed in Section 59-2-103.
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(b) The adjustment or factoring ordered under this Subsection (2) may include an entire
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county, geographical areas within a county, and separate classes of properties.[
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Where significant value deviations occur, the commission shall also order corrective
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action.]
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(3) If the commission determines that sales data in any county is insufficient to perform the
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studies required under Subsection (1), the commission may conduct appraisals of
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property within that county.
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(4) If a county fails to implement factoring[ or corrective action] ordered under Subsection
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(2), the commission shall:
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(a) implement the factoring[ or corrective action]; and
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(b) charge [100% of] an amount equal to the reasonable implementation costs of the
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factoring to that county.
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(5) If a county disputes the factoring[ or corrective action] ordered under Subsection (2),
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the matter may be mediated by the Multicounty Appraisal Trust as defined in Section
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59-2-1601.
424
(6)(a) The commission may change the factor for any county which, after a hearing
425
before the commission, establishes that the factor should properly be set at a different
426
level for that county.
427
(b) The commission shall establish the method, procedure, and timetable for the hearings
428
authorized under this section, including access to information to ensure a fair hearing.
429
(7) [The] In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
430
commission may establish rules to implement this section.
431
Section 9. Section 59-2-919 is amended to read:
432
59-2-919 (Effective 05/07/25). Notice and public hearing requirements for
433
certain tax increases -- Exceptions -- Audit.
434
(1) As used in this section:
435
(a) "Additional ad valorem tax revenue" means ad valorem property tax revenue
- 13 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
436
generated by the portion of the tax rate that exceeds the taxing entity's certified tax
437
rate.
438
(b) "Ad valorem tax revenue" means ad valorem property tax revenue not including
439
revenue from:
440
(i) eligible new growth as defined in Section 59-2-924; or
441
(ii) personal property that is:
442
(A) assessed by a county assessor in accordance with Part 3, County Assessment;
443
and
444
(B) semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
445
(c) "Calendar year taxing entity" means a taxing entity that operates under a fiscal year
446
that begins on January 1 and ends on December 31.
447
(d) "County executive calendar year taxing entity" means a calendar year taxing entity
448
that operates under the county executive-council form of government described in
449
Section 17-52a-203.
450
(e) "Current calendar year" means the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar
451
year for which a calendar year taxing entity seeks to levy a tax rate that exceeds the
452
calendar year taxing entity's certified tax rate.
453
(f) "Fiscal year taxing entity" means a taxing entity that operates under a fiscal year that
454
begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.
455
(g) "Last year's property tax budgeted revenue" does not include:
456
(i) revenue received by a taxing entity from a debt service levy voted on by the public;
457
(ii) revenue generated by the combined basic rate as defined in Section 53F-2-301; or
458
(iii) revenue generated by the charter school levy described in Section 53F-2-703.
459
(2) A taxing entity may not levy a tax rate that exceeds the taxing entity's certified tax rate
460
unless the taxing entity meets:
461
(a) the requirements of this section that apply to the taxing entity; and
462
(b) all other requirements as may be required by law.
463
(3)(a) Subject to Subsection (3)(b) and except as provided in Subsection (5), a calendar
464
year taxing entity may levy a tax rate that exceeds the calendar year taxing entity's
465
certified tax rate if the calendar year taxing entity:
466
(i) 14 or more days before the date of the regular general election or municipal
467
general election held in the current calendar year, states at a public meeting:
468
(A) that the calendar year taxing entity intends to levy a tax rate that exceeds the
469
calendar year taxing entity's certified tax rate;
- 14 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
470
(B) the dollar amount of and purpose for additional ad valorem tax revenue that
471
would be generated by the proposed increase in the certified tax rate; and
472
(C) the approximate percentage increase in ad valorem tax revenue for the taxing
473
entity based on the proposed increase described in Subsection (3)(a)(i)(B);
474
(ii) provides notice for the public meeting described in Subsection (3)(a)(i) in
475
accordance with Title 52, Chapter 4, Open and Public Meetings Act, including
476
providing a separate item on the meeting agenda that notifies the public that the
477
calendar year taxing entity intends to make the statement described in Subsection
478
(3)(a)(i);
479
(iii) meets the advertisement requirements of Subsections (6) and (7) before the
480
calendar year taxing entity conducts the public hearing required by Subsection
481
(3)(a)(v);
482
(iv) provides notice by mail:
483
(A) seven or more days before the regular general election or municipal general
484
election held in the current calendar year; and
485
(B) as provided in Subsection (3)(c); and
486
(v) conducts a public hearing that is held:
487
(A) in accordance with Subsections (8) and (9); and
488
(B) in conjunction with the public hearing required by Section 17-36-13 or
489
17B-1-610.
490
(b)(i) For a county executive calendar year taxing entity, the statement described in
491
Subsection (3)(a)(i) shall be made by the:
492
(A) county council;
493
(B) county executive; or
494
(C) both the county council and county executive.
495
(ii) If the county council makes the statement described in Subsection (3)(a)(i) or the
496
county council states a dollar amount of additional ad valorem tax revenue that is
497
greater than the amount of additional ad valorem tax revenue previously stated by
498
the county executive in accordance with Subsection (3)(a)(i), the county executive
499
calendar year taxing entity shall:
500
(A) make the statement described in Subsection (3)(a)(i) 14 or more days before
501
the county executive calendar year taxing entity conducts the public hearing
502
under Subsection (3)(a)(v); and
503
(B) provide the notice required by Subsection (3)(a)(iv) 14 or more days before
- 15 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
504
the county executive calendar year taxing entity conducts the public hearing
505
required by Subsection (3)(a)(v).
506
(c) The notice described in Subsection (3)(a)(iv):
507
(i) shall be mailed to each owner of property:
508
(A) within the calendar year taxing entity; and
509
(B) listed on the assessment roll;
510
(ii) shall be printed on a separate form that:
511
(A) is developed by the commission;
512
(B) states at the top of the form, in bold upper-case type no smaller than 18 point
513
"NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX INCREASE"; and
514
(C) may be mailed with the notice required by Section 59-2-1317;
515
(iii) shall contain for each property described in Subsection (3)(c)(i):
516
(A) the value of the property for the current calendar year;
517
(B) the tax on the property for the current calendar year; and
518
(C) subject to Subsection (3)(d), for the calendar year for which the calendar year
519
taxing entity seeks to levy a tax rate that exceeds the calendar year taxing
520
entity's certified tax rate, the estimated tax on the property;
521 (iv) shall contain the following statement:
522
"[Insert name of taxing entity] is proposing a tax increase for [insert applicable calendar
523
year]. This notice contains estimates of the tax on your property and the proposed tax increase
524
on your property as a result of this tax increase. These estimates are calculated on the basis of
525
[insert previous applicable calendar year] data. The actual tax on your property and proposed
526
tax increase on your property may vary from this estimate.";
527
(v) shall state the dollar amount of additional ad valorem tax revenue that would be
528
generated each year by the proposed increase in the certified tax rate;
529
(vi) shall include a brief statement of the primary purpose for the proposed tax
530
increase, including the taxing entity's intended use of additional ad valorem tax
531
revenue described in Subsection (3)(c)(v);
532
(vii) shall state the date, time, and place of the public hearing described in Subsection
533
(3)(a)(v);
534
(viii) shall state the Internet address for the taxing entity's public website;
535
(ix) may contain other information approved by the commission; and
536
(x) if sent in calendar year 2024, 2025, or 2026, shall contain:
537
(A) notice that the taxpayer may request electronic notice as described in
- 16 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
538
Subsection 17-21-6(1)(m); and
539
(B) instructions describing how to elect to receive a notice as described in
540
Subsection 17-21-6(1)(m).
541
(d) For purposes of Subsection (3)(c)(iii)(C), a calendar year taxing entity shall calculate
542
the estimated tax on property on the basis of:
543
(i) data for the current calendar year; and
544
(ii) the amount of additional ad valorem tax revenue stated in accordance with this
545
section.
546
(4) Except as provided in Subsection (5), a fiscal year taxing entity may levy a tax rate that
547
exceeds the fiscal year taxing entity's certified tax rate if the fiscal year taxing entity:
548
(a) provides notice by meeting the advertisement requirements of Subsections (6) and (7)
549
before the fiscal year taxing entity conducts the public meeting at which the fiscal
550
year taxing entity's annual budget is adopted; and
551
(b) conducts a public hearing in accordance with Subsections (8) and (9) before the
552
fiscal year taxing entity's annual budget is adopted.
553
(5)(a) A taxing entity is not required to meet the notice or public hearing requirements of
554
Subsection (3) or (4) if the taxing entity is expressly exempted by law from
555
complying with the requirements of this section.
556
(b) A taxing entity is not required to meet the notice requirements of Subsection (3) or
557
(4) if:
558
(i) Section 53F-8-301 allows the taxing entity to levy a tax rate that exceeds that
559
certified tax rate without having to comply with the notice provisions of this
560
section; or
561
(ii) the taxing entity:
562
(A) budgeted less than $20,000 in ad valorem tax revenue for the previous fiscal
563
year; and
564
(B) sets a budget during the current fiscal year of less than $20,000 of ad valorem
565
tax revenue.
566
[(6)(a) Subject to Subsections (6)(d) and (7)(b), the advertisement described in this
567
section shall be published:]
568
[(i) subject to Section 45-1-101, in a newspaper or combination of newspapers of
569
general circulation in the taxing entity;]
570
[(ii) electronically in accordance with Section 45-1-101; and]
571
[(iii) for the taxing entity, as a class A notice under Section 63G-30-102, for at least
- 17 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
572
14 days before the day on which the taxing entity conducts the public hearing
573
described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b).]
574
[(b) The advertisement described in Subsection (6)(a)(i) shall:]
575
[(i) be no less than 1/4 page in size;]
576
[(ii) use type no smaller than 18 point; and]
577
[(iii) be surrounded by a 1/4-inch border.]
578
[(c) The advertisement described in Subsection (6)(a)(i) may not be placed in that
579
portion of the newspaper where legal notices and classified advertisements appear.]
580
[(d) It is the intent of the Legislature that:]
581
[(i) whenever possible, the advertisement described in Subsection (6)(a)(i) appear in
582
a newspaper that is published at least one day per week; and]
583
[(ii) the newspaper or combination of newspapers selected:]
584
[(A) be of general interest and readership in the taxing entity; and]
585
[(B) not be of limited subject matter.]
586
[(e)(i) The advertisement described in Subsection (6)(a)(i) shall:]
587
[(A) except as provided in Subsection (6)(f), be run once each week for the two
588
weeks before a taxing entity conducts a public hearing described under
589
Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b); ]
590
[(B) state that the taxing entity will meet on a certain day, time, and place fixed in
591
the advertisement, which shall be seven or more days after the day the first
592
advertisement is published, for the purpose of hearing comments regarding any
593
proposed increase and to explain the reasons for the proposed increase; and]
594
[(C) state the Internet address for the taxing entity's public website.]
595
[(ii) The advertisement described in Subsection (6)(a)(ii) shall:]
596
[(A) be published two weeks before a taxing entity conducts a public hearing
597
described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b); ]
598
[(B) state that the taxing entity will meet on a certain day, time, and place fixed in
599
the advertisement, which shall be seven or more days after the day the first
600
advertisement is published, for the purpose of hearing comments regarding any
601
proposed increase and to explain the reasons for the proposed increase; and]
602
[(C) state the Internet address for the taxing entity's public website.]
603
[(f) If a fiscal year taxing entity's public hearing information is published by the county
604
auditor in accordance with Section 59-2-919.2, the fiscal year taxing entity is not
605
subject to the requirement to run the advertisement twice, as required by Subsection
- 18 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
606
(6)(e)(i), but shall run the advertisement once during the week before the fiscal year
607
taxing entity conducts a public hearing at which the taxing entity's annual budget is
608
discussed.]
609
(6)(a) Before holding the public hearing described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b), a
610
taxing entity proposing a tax rate increase under this section shall publish an
611
advertisement regarding the proposed tax increase:
612
(i) electronically in accordance with Section 45-1-101; and
613
(ii) as a class A notice under Section 63G-30-102.
614
[(g)] (b) The advertisement described in Subsection (6)(a) shall:
615
(i) be published for at least 14 days before the day on which the taxing entity
616
conducts the public hearing described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b); and
617 (ii) [For purposes of Subsection (3)(a)(iii) or (4)(a), the] substantially be in the following form
618
and content[ of an advertisement shall be substantially as follows]:
619
"NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX INCREASE
620
(NAME OF TAXING ENTITY)
621
The (name of the taxing entity) is proposing to increase its property tax revenue.
622
• The (name of the taxing entity) tax on a (insert the average value of a residence in
623
the taxing entity rounded to the nearest thousand dollars) residence would increase from
624
$______ to $________, which is $_______ per year.
625
• The (name of the taxing entity) tax on a (insert the value of a business having the
626
same value as the average value of a residence in the taxing entity) business would increase
627
from $________ to $_______, which is $______ per year.
628
• If the proposed budget is approved, (name of the taxing entity) would receive an
629
additional $______ in property tax revenue per year as a result of the tax increase.
630
• If the proposed budget is approved, (name of the taxing entity) would increase its
631
property tax budgeted revenue by ___% above last year's property tax budgeted revenue
632
excluding eligible new growth.
633
The (name of the taxing entity) invites all concerned citizens to a public hearing for the
634
purpose of hearing comments regarding the proposed tax increase and to explain the reasons
635
for the proposed tax increase. You have the option to attend or participate in the public hearing
636
in person or online.
637
PUBLIC HEARING
638
Date/Time: (date) (time)
639
Location: (name of meeting place and address of meeting place)
- 19 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
640
Virtual Meeting Link: (Internet address for remote participation and live streaming
641
options)
642
To obtain more information regarding the tax increase, citizens may contact the (name
643
of the taxing entity) at (phone number of taxing entity) or visit (Internet address for the taxing
644
entity's public website)."
645
(7) The commission:
646
(a) shall adopt rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative
647
Rulemaking Act, governing the joint use of one advertisement described in
648
Subsection (6) by two or more taxing entities; and
649
(b) subject to Section 45-1-101, may authorize a taxing entity's use of a
650
commission-approved direct notice to each taxpayer if:
651
(i) the direct notice is different and separate from the notice required under Section
652
59-2-919.1; and
653
(ii) the taxing entity petitions the commission for the use of a commission-approved
654
direct notice.
655
[(i) the use of a weekly newspaper:]
656
[(A) in a county having both daily and weekly newspapers if the weekly
657
newspaper would provide equal or greater notice to the taxpayer; and]
658
[(B) if the county petitions the commission for the use of the weekly newspaper; or]
659
[(ii) the use by a taxing entity of a commission approved direct notice to each
660
taxpayer if:]
661
[(A) the cost of the advertisement would cause undue hardship;]
662
[(B) the direct notice is different and separate from that provided for in Section
663
59-2-919.1; and]
664
[(C) the taxing entity petitions the commission for the use of a commission
665
approved direct notice.]
666
(8)(a)(i) A fiscal year taxing entity shall, on or before June 1, notify the commission
667
and the county auditor of the date, time, and place of the public hearing described
668
in Subsection (4)(b).
669
(ii) A calendar year taxing entity shall, on or before October 1 of the current calendar
670
year, notify the commission and the county auditor of the date, time, and place of
671
the public hearing described in Subsection (3)(a)(v).
672
(b)(i) A public hearing described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b) shall be:
673
(A) open to the public;[ and]
- 20 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
674
(B) held at a meeting of the taxing entity with no items on the agenda other than
675
discussion and action on the taxing entity's intent to levy a tax rate that exceeds
676
the taxing entity's certified tax rate, the taxing entity's budget, a special
677
district's or special service district's fee implementation or increase, or a
678
combination of these items[.] ; and
679
(C) available for individuals to attend or participate either in person or remotely
680
through electronic means.
681
(ii) The governing body of a taxing entity conducting a public hearing described in
682
Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b) shall:
683
(A) state the dollar amount of additional ad valorem tax revenue that would be
684
generated each year by the proposed increase in the certified tax rate;
685
(B) explain the reasons for the proposed tax increase, including the taxing entity's
686
intended use of additional ad valorem tax revenue described in Subsection
687
(8)(b)(ii)(A);
688
(C) if the county auditor compiles the list required by Section 59-2-919.2, present
689
the list at the public hearing and make the list available on the taxing entity's
690
public website; and
691
(D) provide an interested party desiring to be heard an opportunity to present oral
692
testimony within reasonable time limits and without unreasonable restriction
693
on the number of individuals allowed to make public comment.
694
(c)(i) Except as provided in Subsection (8)(c)(ii), a taxing entity may not schedule a
695
public hearing described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b) at the same time as the
696
public hearing of another overlapping taxing entity in the same county.
697
(ii) The taxing entities in which the power to set tax levies is vested in the same
698
governing board or authority may consolidate the public hearings described in
699
Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b) into one public hearing.
700
(d) The county auditor shall resolve any conflict in public hearing dates and times after
701
consultation with each affected taxing entity.
702
(e)(i) A taxing entity shall hold a public hearing described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or
703
(4)(b) beginning at or after 6 p.m.
704
(ii) If a taxing entity holds a public meeting for the purpose of addressing general
705
business of the taxing entity on the same date as a public hearing described in
706
Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b), the public meeting addressing general business
707
items shall conclude before the beginning of the public hearing described in
- 21 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
708
Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b).
709
(f)(i) Except as provided in Subsection (8)(f)(ii), a taxing entity may not hold the
710
public hearing described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b) on the same date as
711
another public hearing of the taxing entity.
712
(ii) A taxing entity may hold the following hearings on the same date as a public
713
hearing described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b):
714
(A) a budget hearing;
715
(B) if the taxing entity is a special district or a special service district, a fee
716
hearing described in Section 17B-1-643;
717
(C) if the taxing entity is a town, an enterprise fund hearing described in Section
718
10-5-107.5; or
719
(D) if the taxing entity is a city, an enterprise fund hearing described in Section
720
10-6-135.5.
721
(9)(a) If a taxing entity does not make a final decision on budgeting additional ad
722
valorem tax revenue at a public hearing described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b),
723
the taxing entity shall:
724
(i) announce at that public hearing the scheduled time and place of the next public
725
meeting at which the taxing entity will consider budgeting the additional ad
726
valorem tax revenue; and
727
(ii) if the taxing entity is a fiscal year taxing entity, hold the public meeting described
728
in Subsection (9)(a)(i) before September 1.
729
(b) A calendar year taxing entity may not adopt a final budget that budgets an amount of
730
additional ad valorem tax revenue that exceeds the largest amount of additional ad
731
valorem tax revenue stated at a public meeting under Subsection (3)(a)(i).
732
(c) A public hearing on levying a tax rate that exceeds a fiscal year taxing entity's
733
certified tax rate may coincide with a public hearing on the fiscal year taxing entity's
734
proposed annual budget.
735
(10)(a) A county auditor may conduct an audit to verify a taxing entity's compliance
736
with Subsection (8).
737
(b) If the county auditor, after completing an audit, finds that a taxing entity has failed to
738
meet the requirements of Subsection (8), the county auditor shall prepare and submit
739
a report of the auditor's findings to the commission.
740
(c) The commission may not certify a tax rate that exceeds a taxing entity's certified tax
741
rate if, on or before September 15 of the year in which the taxing entity is required to
- 22 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
742
hold the public hearing described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b), the commission
743
determines that the taxing entity has failed to meet the requirements of Subsection (8).
744
Section 10. Section 59-2-919.1 is amended to read:
745
59-2-919.1 (Effective 01/01/26). Notice of property valuation and tax changes.
746
(1) In addition to the notice requirements of Section 59-2-919, the county auditor, on or
747
before July 22 of each year, shall notify each owner of real estate who is listed on the
748
assessment roll.
749
(2) The notice described in Subsection (1) shall:
750
(a) except as provided in Subsection (4), be sent to all owners of real property by mail
751
10 or more days before the day on which:
752
(i) the county board of equalization meets; and
753
(ii) the taxing entity holds a public hearing on the proposed increase in the certified
754
tax rate;
755
(b) be on a form that is:
756
(i) approved by the commission; and
757
(ii) uniform in content in all counties in the state; and
758
(c) contain for each property:
759
(i) the assessor's determination of the value of the property;
760
(ii) the taxable value of the property;
761
(iii) for property assessed by the county assessor:
762
(A) instructions on how the taxpayer may file an application with the county
763
board of equalization to appeal the valuation or equalization of the property
764
under Section 59-2-1004, including instructions for filing an application
765
through electronic means; and
766
(B)[(A)] the deadline for the taxpayer to make an application to appeal the
767
valuation or equalization of the property under Section 59-2-1004;[ or]
768
[(B)] (iv) for property assessed by the commission[,] :
769
(A) instructions on how the taxpayer may file an application with the commission
770
for a hearing on an objection to the valuation or equalization of the property
771
under Section 59-2-1007;
772
(B) the deadline for the taxpayer to apply to the commission for a hearing on an
773
objection to the valuation or equalization of the property under Section
774
59-2-1007; and
775
[(iv)] (C) [for a property assessed by the commission, ]a statement that the
- 23 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
776
taxpayer may not appeal the valuation or equalization of the property to the
777
county board of equalization;
778
(v) itemized tax information for all applicable taxing entities, including:
779
(A) the dollar amount of the taxpayer's tax liability for the property in the prior
780
year; and
781
(B) the dollar amount of the taxpayer's tax liability under the current rate;
782
(vi) the following, stated separately:
783
(A) the charter school levy described in Section 53F-2-703;
784
(B) the multicounty assessing and collecting levy described in Subsection
785
59-2-1602(2);
786
(C) the county assessing and collecting levy described in Subsection 59-2-1602(4);
787
(D) levies for debt service voted on by the public;
788
(E) levies imposed for special purposes under Section 10-6-133.4;
789
(F) for a fiscal year that begins on or after July 1, 2023, the combined basic rate as
790
defined in Section 53F-2-301; and
791
(G) if applicable, the annual payment described in Subsection 63H-1-501(4)(a);
792
(vii) the tax impact on the property;
793
(viii) the date, time, and place of the required public hearing for each entity;
794
(ix) property tax information pertaining to:
795
(A) taxpayer relief; and
796
[(B) options for payment of taxes;]
797
[(C) collection procedures; and]
798
[(D)] (B) the residential exemption described in Section 59-2-103;
799
(x) information specifically authorized to be included on the notice under this chapter;
800
(xi) the last property review date of the property as described in Subsection
801
59-2-303.1(1)(c);
802
(xii) instructions on how the taxpayer may obtain additional information regarding
803
the valuation of the property, including the characteristics and features of the
804
property, from[ at least one the following sources]:
805
(A) a website maintained by the county; or
806
(B) the [county assessor's office] statewide web portal developed and maintained
807
by the Multicounty Appraisal Trust under Subsection 59-2-1606(5)(a) for
808
uniform access to property characteristics and features; and
809
(xiii) other information approved by the commission.
- 24 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
810
(3) If a taxing entity that is subject to the notice and hearing requirements of Subsection
811
59-2-919(4) proposes a tax increase, the notice described in Subsection (1) shall state, in
812
addition to the information required by Subsection (2):
813
(a) the dollar amount of the taxpayer's tax liability if the proposed increase is approved;
814
(b) the difference between the dollar amount of the taxpayer's tax liability if the
815
proposed increase is approved and the dollar amount of the taxpayer's tax liability
816
under the current rate, placed in close proximity to the information described in
817
Subsection (2)(c)(viii);
818
(c) the percentage increase that the dollar amount of the taxpayer's tax liability under the
819
proposed tax rate represents as compared to the dollar amount of the taxpayer's tax
820
liability under the current tax rate; and
821
(d) for each taxing entity proposing a tax increase, the dollar amount of additional ad
822
valorem tax revenue, as defined in Section 59-2-919, that would be generated each
823
year if the proposed tax increase is approved.
824
(4)(a) Subject to the other provisions of this Subsection (4), a county auditor may, at the
825
county auditor's discretion, provide the notice required by this section to a taxpayer
826
by electronic means if a taxpayer makes an election, according to procedures
827
determined by the county auditor, to receive the notice by electronic means.
828
(b)(i) If a notice required by this section is sent by electronic means, a county auditor
829
shall attempt to verify whether a taxpayer receives the notice.
830
(ii) If receipt of the notice sent by electronic means cannot be verified 14 days or
831
more before the county board of equalization meets and the taxing entity holds a
832
public hearing on a proposed increase in the certified tax rate, the notice required
833
by this section shall also be sent by mail as provided in Subsection (2).
834
(c) A taxpayer may revoke an election to receive the notice required by this section by
835
electronic means if the taxpayer provides written notice to the county auditor on or
836
before April 30.
837
(d) An election or a revocation of an election under this Subsection (4):
838
(i) does not relieve a taxpayer of the duty to pay a tax due under this chapter on or
839
before the due date for paying the tax; or
840
(ii) does not alter the requirement that a taxpayer appealing the valuation or the
841
equalization of the taxpayer's real property submit the application for appeal
842
within the time period provided in Subsection 59-2-1004(3).
843
(e) A county auditor shall provide the notice required by this section as provided in
- 25 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
844
Subsection (2), until a taxpayer makes a new election in accordance with this
845
Subsection (4), if:
846
(i) the taxpayer revokes an election in accordance with Subsection (4)(c) to receive
847
the notice required by this section by electronic means; or
848
(ii) the county auditor finds that the taxpayer's electronic contact information is
849
invalid.
850
(f) A person is considered to be a taxpayer for purposes of this Subsection (4) regardless
851
of whether the property that is the subject of the notice required by this section is
852
exempt from taxation.
853
Section 11. Section 59-2-919.2 is amended to read:
854
59-2-919.2 (Effective 05/07/25). Consolidated advertisement of public hearings.
855
(1)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b), on the same day on which a taxing entity
856
provides the notice to the county required under Subsection 59-2-919(8)(a)(i), the
857
taxing entity shall provide to the county auditor the information required by
858
Subsection 59-2-919(8)(a)(i).
859
(b) A taxing entity is not required to notify the county auditor of the taxing entity's
860
public hearing in accordance with Subsection (1)(a) if the taxing entity is exempt
861
from the notice requirements of Section 59-2-919.
862
(2) If as of July 22, two or more taxing entities notify the county auditor under Subsection
863
(1), the county auditor shall by no later than July 22 of each year:
864
(a) compile a list of the taxing entities that notify the county auditor under Subsection (1);
865
(b) include on the list described in Subsection (2)(a), the following information for each
866
taxing entity on the list:
867
(i) the name of the taxing entity;
868
(ii) the date, time, and location of the public hearing described in Subsection 59-2-919
869
(8)(a)(i);
870
(iii) the average dollar increase on a residence in the taxing entity that the proposed
871
tax increase would generate;
872
(iv) the average dollar increase on a business in the taxing entity that the proposed tax
873
increase would generate;
874
(v) the dollar amount of additional ad valorem tax revenue, as defined in Section
875
59-2-919, that would be generated each year if the proposed tax increase is
876
approved;
877
(vi) the approximate percentage increase in ad valorem tax revenue for the taxing
- 26 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
878
entity if the proposed tax increase is approved; and
879
(vii) other information approved by the commission;
880
(c) provide a copy of the list described in Subsection (2)(a) to each taxing entity that
881
notifies the county auditor under Subsection (1); and
882
(d) in addition to the requirements of Subsection (3), if the county has a webpage,
883
publish a copy of the list described in Subsection (2)(a) on the county's webpage until
884
December 31.
885
(3)(a) [At] Subject to Subsection (3)(b), at least two weeks before any public hearing
886
included in the list under Subsection (2) is held, the county auditor shall publish:
887
(i) the list compiled under Subsection (2); and
888
(ii) a statement that:
889
(A) the list is for informational purposes only;
890
(B) the list should not be relied on to determine a person's tax liability under this
891
chapter; and
892
(C) for specific information related to the tax liability of a taxpayer, the taxpayer
893
should review the taxpayer's tax notice received under Section 59-2-919.1.
894
(b) [Except as provided in Subsection (3)(d)(ii), the] The information described in
895
Subsection (3)(a) shall be published:
896
(i) electronically in accordance with Section 45-1-101;
897
(ii) as a class A notice under Section 63G-30-102; and
898
[(i) in no less than 1/4 page in size;]
899
[(ii) except for the heading described in Subsection (3)(b)(iii), in not less than
900
10-point type;]
901
(iii) under the following heading at the top of the document[ in not less than 18-point
902
boldface type]: "NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX INCREASES["; and] ."
903
[(iv) surrounded by a 1/4-inch border.]
904
[(c) The published information described in Subsection (3)(a) and published in
905
accordance with Subsection (3)(d)(i) may not be placed in the portion of a newspaper
906
where a legal notice or classified advertisement appears.]
907
[(d) A county auditor shall publish the information described in Subsection (3)(a):]
908
[(i)(A) in a newspaper or combination of newspapers that are:]
909
[(I) published at least one day per week;]
910
[(II) of general interest and readership in the county; and]
911
[(III) not of limited subject matter; and]
- 27 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
912
[(B) once each week for the two weeks preceding the first hearing included in the
913
list compiled under Subsection (2); and]
914
[(ii) for two weeks preceding the day of the first hearing included in the list compiled
915
under Subsection (2):]
916
[(A) as required in Section 45-1-101; and]
917
[(B) for the county, as a class A notice under Section 63G-30-102.]
918
(4) A taxing entity that notifies the county auditor under Subsection (1) shall provide the
919
list described in Subsection (2)(c) to a person:
920
(a) who attends the public hearing described in Subsection 59-2-919(8)(a)(i) of the
921
taxing entity; or
922
(b) who requests a copy of the list.
923
(5)(a) A county auditor shall by no later than 30 days from the day on which the last
924
publication of the information required by Subsection (3)(a) is made:
925
(i) determine the costs of compiling [and publishing ]the list; and
926
(ii) charge each taxing entity included on the list an amount calculated by dividing
927
the amount determined under Subsection (5)(a) by the number of taxing entities
928
on the list.
929
(b) A taxing entity shall pay the county auditor the amount charged under Subsection
930
(5)(a).
931
(6) The publication of the list under this section does not remove or change the notice
932
requirements of Section 59-2-919 for a taxing entity.
933
(7) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
934
commission may make rules:
935
(a) relating to the publication of a consolidated advertisement which includes the
936
information described in Subsection (2) for a taxing entity that overlaps two or more
937
counties;
938
(b) relating to the payment required in Subsection (5)(b); and
939
(c) to oversee the administration of this section and provide for uniform implementation.
940
Section 12. Section 59-2-1001 is amended to read:
941
59-2-1001 (Effective 01/01/26). County board of equalization -- Public hearings
942
-- Hearing officers -- Notice of decision -- Rulemaking -- Education and training for
943
county officers.
944
(1) The county legislative body is the county board of equalization and the county auditor is
945
the clerk of the county board of equalization.
- 28 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
946
(2)(a) The county board of equalization shall adjust and equalize the valuation and
947
assessment of the real and personal property within the county, subject to regulation
948
and control by the commission, as prescribed by law.
949
(b) The county board of equalization shall meet and hold public hearings each year to
950
examine the assessment roll and equalize the assessment of property in the county,
951
including the assessment for general taxes of all taxing entities located in the county.
952
(3)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(d), a county board of equalization may:
953
(i) appoint an appraiser licensed in accordance with Title 61, Chapter 2g, Real Estate
954
Appraiser Licensing and Certification Act, as a hearing officer for the purpose of
955
examining an applicant or a witness; or
956
(ii) appoint an individual who is not licensed in accordance with Title 61, Chapter 2g,
957
Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Act, as a hearing officer for the
958
purpose of examining an applicant or a witness if the county board of equalization
959
determines that the individual has competency relevant to the work of a hearing
960
officer, including competency in:
961
(A) real estate;
962
(B) finance;
963
(C) economics;
964
(D) public administration; or
965
(E) law.
966
(b) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(d),[ beginning on January 1, 2014,] a county
967
board of equalization may only allow an individual to serve as a hearing officer for
968
the purposes of examining an applicant or a witness if the individual has completed a
969
course the commission:
970
(i) develops in accordance with Subsection (3)(c)(i); or
971
(ii) approves in accordance with Subsection (3)(c)(ii).
972
(c)(i) [On or before January 1, 2014, the] The commission shall develop [a hearing
973
officer training course] and administer a continuing education and training
974
program for hearing officers that includes training in property valuation and
975
administrative law.
976
(ii) In addition to the [course] program the commission develops and administers in
977
accordance with Subsection (3)(c)(i), the commission may approve [a] the
978
continuing education and training program for a hearing officer [training course ]
979
provided by a county or a private entity if the [course] program includes training in
- 29 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
980
property valuation and administrative law.
981
(iii) The commission shall ensure that any education and training [described in]
982
provided to hearing officers under this Subsection (3)(c) complies with Title 63G,
983
Chapter 22, State Training and Certification Requirements.
984
(iv)(A) The commission shall confer a designation of completion upon a hearing
985
officer each time the hearing officer completes the education and training
986
program under Subsection (3)(c)(i) or (ii).
987
(B) A hearing officer shall obtain a designation of completion as described in
988
Subsection (3)(c)(iv)(A) before the hearing officer acts or performs as a
989
hearing officer.
990
(d) A county board of equalization may not appoint a person employed by an assessor's
991
office as a hearing officer.
992
(e) A hearing officer shall transmit the hearing officer's findings to the board, where a
993
quorum shall be required for final action upon any application for exemption,
994
deferral, reduction, or abatement.
995
(4)(a) The clerk of the board of equalization shall notify the taxpayer, in writing, of any
996
decision of the board.
997
(b) The decision shall include any adjustment in the amount of taxes due on the property
998
resulting from a change in the taxable value and shall be considered the corrected tax
999
notice.
1000
(5) During the session of the board, the assessor or any deputy whose testimony is needed
1001
shall be present and may make any statement or introduce and examine witnesses on
1002
questions before the board.
1003
(6) The county board of equalization may make and enforce any rule which is consistent
1004
with statute or commission rule and necessary for the government of the board, the
1005
preservation of order, and the transaction of business.
1006
(7)(a) In addition to education and training provided to hearing officers under
1007
Subsection (3)(c), the commission shall develop and administer an education and
1008
training program for county officers whose participation in a county board of
1009
equalization is required by Subsection (1), including:
1010
(i) members of a county legislative body; and
1011
(ii) county auditors.
1012
(b) The education and training provided to county officers under this Subsection (7)
1013
shall include instruction on:
- 30 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
1014
(i) a county officer's duties and obligations in relation to the county board of
1015
equalization;
1016
(ii) property valuation; and
1017
(iii) administrative law.
1018
(c)(i) The commission shall confer a designation of completion upon a county officer
1019
described in Subsection (7)(a) each time the county officer completes the
1020
education and training program under this Subsection (7).
1021
(ii) A county officer subject to education and training under this Subsection (7) shall
1022
obtain a designation of completion as described in Subsection (7)(c)(i) before the
1023
county officer participates in a board of equalization process.
1024
(8) The commission may require education and training for county officers involved in
1025
property valuation who are not otherwise required to complete an education and training
1026
program in accordance with Subsection (3)(c) or (7).
1027
(9) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
1028
commission may make rules for administering education and training programs in
1029
accordance with this section.
1030
Section 13. Section 59-2-1004 is amended to read:
1031
59-2-1004 (Effective 01/01/26). Appeal to county board of equalization -- Real
1032
property -- Time period for appeal -- Public hearing requirements -- Decision of board --
1033
Extensions approved by commission -- Appeal to commission.
1034
(1) As used in this section:
1035
(a) "Applicable lien date" means January 1 of the year in which the valuation or
1036
equalization of real property is appealed to the county board of equalization.
1037
(b) "Final assessed value" means:
1038
(i) for real property for which the taxpayer appealed the valuation or equalization to
1039
the county board of equalization in accordance with this section, the value given
1040
to the real property by the county board of equalization, including a value based
1041
on a stipulation of the parties;
1042
(ii) for real property for which the taxpayer or a county assessor appealed the
1043
valuation or equalization to the commission in accordance with Section 59-2-1006,
1044
the value given to the real property by:
1045
(A) the commission, if the commission has issued a decision in the appeal or the
1046
parties have entered a stipulation; or
1047
(B) a county board of equalization, if the commission has not yet issued a decision
- 31 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
1048
in the appeal and the parties have not entered a stipulation; or
1049
(iii) for real property for which the taxpayer or a county assessor sought judicial
1050
review of the valuation or equalization in accordance with Section 59-1-602 or
1051
Title 63G, Chapter 4, Part 4, Judicial Review, the value given the real property by
1052
the commission.
1053
(c) "Inflation adjusted value" means the value of the real property that is the subject of
1054
the appeal as calculated by changing the final assessed value for the previous taxable
1055
year for the real property by the median property value change.
1056
(d) "Median property value change" means the midpoint of the property value changes
1057
for all real property that is:
1058
(i) of the same class of real property as the qualified real property; and
1059
(ii) located within the same county and within the same market area as the qualified
1060
real property.
1061
(e) "Property value change" means the percentage change in the fair market value of real
1062
property on or after January 1 of the previous year and before January 1 of the
1063
current year.
1064
(f) "Qualified real property" means real property:
1065
(i) for which:
1066
(A) the taxpayer or a county assessor appealed the valuation or equalization for
1067
the previous taxable year to the county board of equalization in accordance
1068
with this section or the commission in accordance with Section 59-2-1006;
1069
(B) the appeal described in Subsection (1)(f)(i)(A), resulted in a final assessed
1070
value that was lower than the assessed value; and
1071
(C) the assessed value for the current taxable year is higher than the inflation
1072
adjusted value; and
1073
(ii) that, on or after January 1 of the previous taxable year and before January 1 of the
1074
current taxable year, has not had a qualifying change.
1075
(g) "Qualifying change" means one of the following changes to real property that occurs
1076
on or after January 1 of the previous taxable year and before January 1 of the current
1077
taxable year:
1078
(i) a physical improvement if, solely as a result of the physical improvement, the fair
1079
market value of the physical improvement equals or exceeds the greater of 10% of
1080
fair market value of the real property or $20,000;
1081
(ii) a zoning change, if the fair market value of the real property increases solely as a
- 32 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
1082
result of the zoning change; or
1083
(iii) a change in the legal description of the real property, if the fair market value of
1084
the real property increases solely as a result of the change in the legal description
1085
of the real property.
1086
(h) "Qualifying contract" means a contract for the completed sale of residential property
1087
that:
1088
(i) involves residential property for which a taxpayer appealed the valuation or
1089
equalization to the county board of equalization;
1090
(ii) identifies the final sales price for the residential property described in Subsection
1091
(1)(h)(i); and
1092
(iii) is executed within six months before or after the applicable lien date.
1093
(2)(a) A taxpayer dissatisfied with the valuation or the equalization of the taxpayer's real
1094
property may make an application to appeal by:
1095
(i) subject to Subsection (2)(d), filing the application with the county board of
1096
equalization within the time period described in Subsection (3); or
1097
(ii) making an application by telephone [or other electronic means ]within the time
1098
period described in Subsection (3) if the county legislative body passes a
1099
resolution under Subsection (11) authorizing a taxpayer to make an application by
1100
telephone[ or other electronic means].
1101
(b)(i) The county board of equalization shall make a rule describing the contents of
1102
the application.
1103
(ii) In addition to any information the county board of equalization requires, the
1104
application shall include information about:
1105
(A) the burden of proof in an appeal involving qualified real property; and
1106
(B) the process for the taxpayer to learn the inflation adjusted value of the
1107
qualified real property.
1108
(c)(i)(A) The county assessor shall notify the county board of equalization of a
1109
qualified real property's inflation adjusted value within 15 business days after
1110
the date on which the county assessor receives notice that a taxpayer filed an
1111
appeal with the county board of equalization.
1112
(B) The county assessor shall notify the commission of a qualified real property's
1113
inflation adjusted value within 15 business days after the date on which the
1114
county assessor receives notice that a person dissatisfied with the decision of a
1115
county board of equalization files an appeal with the commission.
- 33 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
1116
(ii)(A) A person may not appeal a county assessor's calculation of inflation
1117
adjusted value but may appeal the fair market value of a qualified real property.
1118
(B) A person may appeal a determination of whether, on or after January 1 of the
1119
previous taxable year and before January 1 of the current taxable year, real
1120
property had a qualifying change.
1121
(d) For purposes of Subsection (2)(a), the county board of equalization shall ensure that
1122
a taxpayer has the ability to access and file an application to appeal the valuation or
1123
equalization of real property through electronic means.
1124
(3)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b) and for purposes of Subsection (2), a
1125
taxpayer shall make an application to appeal the valuation or the equalization of the
1126
taxpayer's real property on or before the later of:
1127
(i) September 15 of the current calendar year; or
1128
(ii) the last day of a 45-day period beginning on the day on which the county auditor
1129
provides the notice under Section 59-2-919.1.
1130
(b) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
1131
commission shall make rules providing for circumstances under which the county
1132
board of equalization is required to accept an application to appeal that is filed after
1133
the time period prescribed in Subsection (3)(a).
1134
(4)(a) The taxpayer shall include in the application under Subsection (2)(a):
1135
(i) the taxpayer's estimate of the fair market value of the property and any evidence
1136
that may indicate that the assessed valuation of the taxpayer's property is
1137
improperly equalized with the assessed valuation of comparable properties; and
1138
(ii) a signed statement of the personal property located in a multi-tenant residential
1139
property, as that term is defined in Section 59-2-301.8 if the taxpayer:
1140
(A) appeals the value of multi-tenant residential property assessed in accordance
1141
with Section 59-2-301.8; and
1142
(B) intends to contest the value of the personal property located within the
1143
multi-tenant residential property.
1144
(b) For an appeal involving qualified real property, the county board of equalization
1145
shall presume that the fair market value of the qualified real property is equal to the
1146
inflation adjusted value.
1147
(5) Subject to Subsection (6), in reviewing evidence submitted to a county board of
1148
equalization by or on behalf of an owner or a county assessor, the county board of
1149
equalization shall consider and weigh:
- 34 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
1150
(a) the accuracy, reliability, and comparability of the evidence presented by the owner or
1151
the county assessor;
1152
(b) if submitted, the sales price of relevant property that was under contract for sale as of
1153
the lien date but sold after the lien date;
1154
(c) if submitted, the sales offering price of property that was offered for sale as of the
1155
lien date but did not sell, including considering and weighing the amount of time for
1156
which, and manner in which, the property was offered for sale; and
1157
(d) if submitted, other evidence that is relevant to determining the fair market value of
1158
the property.
1159
(6)(a) This Subsection (6) applies only to an appeal to a county board of equalization
1160
involving the valuation or equalization of residential property that is not qualified
1161
real property.
1162
(b) If a qualifying contract is submitted as evidence in an appeal described in Subsection
1163
(6)(a), the only evidence that the county board of equalization or hearing officer may
1164
consider to determine that the final sales price identified in the qualifying contract
1165
does not provide an accurate or reliable indication of the fair market value of the
1166
residential property is evidence of the following, if submitted:
1167
(i) evidence disputing the nature of the qualifying contract as an arms-length
1168
transaction;
1169
(ii) evidence demonstrating that changes in market conditions have occurred in the
1170
time period between the day on which the qualifying contract was executed and
1171
the applicable lien date; or
1172
(iii) evidence demonstrating that a qualifying change to the residential property has
1173
occurred in the time period between the day on which the qualifying contract was
1174
executed and the applicable lien date.
1175
(c) In determining the fair market value of residential property in an appeal described in
1176
Subsection (6)(a), the county board of equalization may not consider any evidence or
1177
information other than the evidence submitted to the county board of equalization by
1178
the parties in the appeal.
1179
(7)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (7)(b), at least five days before the day on which
1180
the county board of equalization holds a public hearing on an appeal:
1181
(i) the county assessor shall provide the taxpayer any evidence the county assessor
1182
relies upon in support of the county assessor's valuation; and
1183
(ii) the taxpayer shall provide the county assessor any evidence not previously
- 35 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
1184
provided to the county assessor that the taxpayer relies upon in support of the
1185
taxpayer's appeal.
1186
(b)(i) The deadline described in Subsection (7)(a) does not apply to evidence that is
1187
commercial information as defined in Section 59-1-404, if:
1188
(A) for the purpose of complying with Section 59-1-404, the county assessor
1189
requires that the taxpayer execute a nondisclosure agreement before the county
1190
assessor discloses the evidence; and
1191
(B) the taxpayer fails to execute the nondisclosure agreement before the deadline
1192
described in Subsection (7)(a).
1193
(ii) The county assessor shall disclose evidence described in Subsection (7)(b)(i) as
1194
soon as practicable after the county assessor receives the executed nondisclosure
1195
agreement.
1196
(iii) The county assessor shall provide the taxpayer a copy of the nondisclosure
1197
agreement with reasonable time for the taxpayer to review and execute the
1198
agreement before the deadline described in Subsection (7)(a) expires.
1199
(c) If at the public hearing, a party presents evidence not previously provided to the
1200
other party, the county board of equalization shall allow the other party to respond to
1201
the evidence in writing within 10 days after the day on which the public hearing
1202
occurs.
1203
(d)(i) A county board of equalization may adopt rules governing the deadlines
1204
described in this Subsection (7), if the rules are no less stringent than the
1205
provisions of this Subsection (7).
1206
(ii) A county board of equalization's rule that complies with Subsection (7)(d)(i)
1207
controls over the provisions of this subsection.
1208
(8)(a) The county board of equalization shall meet and hold public hearings as described
1209
in Section 59-2-1001.
1210
(b)(i) For purposes of this Subsection (8)(b), "significant adjustment" means a
1211
proposed adjustment to the valuation of real property that:
1212
(A) is to be made by a county board of equalization; and
1213
(B) would result in a valuation that differs from the original assessed value by at
1214
least 20% and $1,000,000.
1215
(ii) When a county board of equalization is going to consider a significant
1216
adjustment, the county board of equalization shall:
1217
(A) list the significant adjustment as a separate item on the agenda of the public
- 36 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
1218
hearing at which the county board of equalization is going to consider the
1219
significant adjustment; and
1220
(B) for purposes of the agenda described in Subsection (8)(b)(ii)(A), provide a
1221
description of the property for which the county board of equalization is
1222
considering a significant adjustment.
1223
(c) The county board of equalization shall make a decision on each appeal filed in
1224
accordance with this section within 60 days after the day on which the taxpayer
1225
makes an application.
1226
(d) The commission may approve the extension of a time period provided for in
1227
Subsection (8)(c) for a county board of equalization to make a decision on an appeal.
1228
(e) Unless the commission approves the extension of a time period under Subsection
1229
(8)(d), if a county board of equalization fails to make a decision on an appeal within
1230
the time period described in Subsection (8)(c), the county legislative body shall:
1231
(i) list the appeal, by property owner and parcel number, on the agenda for the next
1232
meeting the county legislative body holds after the expiration of the time period
1233
described in Subsection (8)(c); and
1234
(ii) hear the appeal at the meeting described in Subsection (8)(e)(i).
1235
(f) The decision of the county board of equalization shall contain:
1236
(i) a determination of the valuation of the property based on fair market value; and
1237
(ii) a conclusion that the fair market value is properly equalized with the assessed
1238
value of comparable properties.
1239
(g) If no evidence is presented before the county board of equalization, the county board
1240
of equalization shall presume that the equalization issue has been met.
1241
(h)(i) If the fair market value of the property that is the subject of the appeal deviates
1242
plus or minus 5% from the assessed value of comparable properties, the county
1243
board of equalization shall adjust the valuation of the appealed property to reflect
1244
a value equalized with the assessed value of comparable properties.
1245
(ii) Subject to Sections 59-2-301.1, 59-2-301.2, 59-2-301.3, and 59-2-301.4,
1246
equalized value established under Subsection (8)(h)(i) shall be the assessed value
1247
for property tax purposes until the county assessor is able to evaluate and equalize
1248
the assessed value of all comparable properties to bring all comparable properties
1249
into conformity with full fair market value.
1250
(9)(a) If the decision of the county board of equalization warrants a refund of any
1251
amount of property taxes paid for the tax year for the real property that is the subject
- 37 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
1252
of the appeal, the county shall issue the refund directly to the taxpayer that paid the
1253
property taxes, or an officer or agent of that taxpayer as identified in the information
1254
provided under Subsection (9)(b), regardless of whether the taxpayer is the owner of
1255
record of the real property at the time the decision is rendered.
1256
(b) A taxpayer entitled to a refund under this section that is not the owner of record of
1257
the real property subject to the appeal shall, within 10 calendar days after the day on
1258
which the decision of the county board of equalization is rendered, provide the
1259
following information to the county board of equalization:
1260
(i) a statement that the taxpayer is entitled to receive the refund under Subsection
1261
(9)(a);
1262
(ii) the name of the taxpayer, or an officer or agent of that taxpayer, entitled to
1263
receive the refund;
1264
(iii) the mailing address of the taxpayer, or an officer or agent of that taxpayer, to
1265
which the taxpayer requests the refund to be sent; and
1266
(iv) any other information requested by the county board of equalization.
1267
(10) If any taxpayer is dissatisfied with the decision of the county board of equalization, the
1268
taxpayer may file an appeal with the commission as described in Section 59-2-1006.
1269
(11) A county legislative body may pass a resolution authorizing taxpayers owing taxes on
1270
property assessed by that county to file property tax appeals applications under this
1271
section by telephone[ or other electronic means].
1272
Section 14. Section 59-2-1018 is enacted to read:
1273
59-2-1018 (Effective 01/01/26). Reporting of county appeals information.
1274
(1) On or before May 1 of each year, a county board of equalization shall report the
1275
following information to the commission:
1276
(a) the number of appeals involving the valuation or equalization of real property for
1277
which the county board of equalization issued a decision during the preceding
1278
calendar year in accordance with Section 59-2-1004; and
1279
(b) for each appeal described in Subsection (1)(a):
1280
(i) whether the property is residential or commercial;
1281
(ii) the original assessed value of the property; and
1282
(iii) the value given to the property by the county board of equalization.
1283
(2) The commission shall report the appeals information provided by county boards of
1284
equalization under Subsection (1) to the Revenue and Taxation Interim Committee on or
1285
before July 31 of each year.
- 38 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
1286
Section 15. Section 59-2-1317 is amended to read:
1287
59-2-1317 (Effective 05/07/25). Tax notice -- Contents of notice -- Procedures
1288
and requirements for providing notice.
1289
(1) As used in this section, "political subdivision lien" means the same as that term is
1290
defined in Section 11-60-102.
1291
(2) Subject to the other provisions of this section, the county treasurer shall:
1292
(a) collect the taxes and tax notice charges; and
1293
(b) provide a notice to each taxpayer that contains the following:
1294
(i) the kind and value of property assessed to the taxpayer;
1295
(ii) the street address of the property, if available to the county;
1296
(iii) that the property may be subject to a detailed review in the next year under
1297
Section 59-2-303.1;
1298
(iv) the amount of taxes levied;
1299
(v) a separate statement of the taxes levied only on a certain kind or class of property
1300
for a special purpose;
1301
(vi) [property tax information pertaining to taxpayer relief, options for payment of
1302
taxes,] instructions for payment of the taxes and tax notice charges applicable to
1303
the property, including the taxpayer's payment options and collection procedures;
1304
(vii) any tax notice charges applicable to the property, including:
1305
(A) if applicable, a political subdivision lien for road damage that a railroad
1306
company causes, as described in Section 10-7-30;
1307
(B) if applicable, a political subdivision lien for municipal water distribution, as
1308
described in Section 10-8-17, or a political subdivision lien for an increase in
1309
supply from a municipal water distribution, as described in Section 10-8-19;
1310
(C) if applicable, a political subdivision lien for unpaid abatement fees as
1311
described in Section 10-11-4;
1312
(D) if applicable, a political subdivision lien for the unpaid portion of an
1313
assessment assessed in accordance with Title 11, Chapter 42, Assessment Area
1314
Act, or Title 11, Chapter 42a, Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Act,
1315
including unpaid costs, charges, and interest as of the date the local entity
1316
certifies the unpaid amount to the county treasurer;
1317
(E) if applicable, for a special district in accordance with Section 17B-1-902, a
1318
political subdivision lien for an unpaid fee, administrative cost, or interest;
1319
(F) if applicable, a political subdivision lien for an unpaid irrigation district use
- 39 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
1320
charge as described in Section 17B-2a-506;
1321
(G) if applicable, a political subdivision lien for a contract assessment under a
1322
water contract, as described in Section 17B-2a-1007;
1323
(H) if applicable, a property tax penalty that a public infrastructure district
1324
imposes, as described in Section 17D-4-304; and
1325
(I) if applicable, an annual payment to the Military Installation Development
1326
Authority or an entity designated by the authority in accordance with Section
1327
63H-1-501;
1328
(viii) if a county's tax notice includes an assessment area charge, a statement that, due
1329
to potentially ongoing assessment area charges, costs, penalties, and interest,
1330
payment of a tax notice charge may not:
1331
(A) pay off the full amount the property owner owes to the tax notice entity; or
1332
(B) cause a release of the lien underlying the tax notice charge;
1333
(ix) if applicable, the annual payment described in Subsection 63H-1-501(4)(a);
1334
(x) the date the taxes and tax notice charges are due;
1335
(xi) the street address or website at which the taxes and tax notice charges may be
1336
paid;
1337
(xii) the date on which the taxes and tax notice charges are delinquent;
1338
(xiii) the penalty imposed on delinquent taxes and tax notice charges;
1339
(xiv) a statement that explains the taxpayer's right to direct allocation of a partial
1340
payment in accordance with Subsection (9);
1341
(xv) other information specifically authorized to be included on the notice under this
1342
chapter;
1343
(xvi) other property tax information approved by the commission; and
1344
(xvii) if sent in calendar year 2024, 2025, or 2026:
1345
(A) notice that the taxpayer may request electronic notice as described in
1346
Subsection 17-21-6(1)(m); and
1347
(B) instructions describing how to elect to receive a notice as described in
1348
Subsection 17-21-6(1)(m).
1349
(3)(a) Unless expressly allowed under this section or another statutory provision, the
1350
treasurer may not add an amount to be collected to the property tax notice.
1351
(b) If the county treasurer adds an amount to be collected to the property tax notice
1352
under this section or another statutory provision that expressly authorizes the item's
1353
inclusion on the property tax notice:
- 40 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
1354
(i) the amount constitutes a tax notice charge; and
1355
(ii)(A) the tax notice charge has the same priority as property tax; and
1356
(B) a delinquency of the tax notice charge triggers a tax sale, in accordance with
1357
Section 59-2-1343.
1358
(4) For any property for which property taxes or tax notice charges are delinquent, the
1359
notice described in Subsection (2) shall state, "Prior taxes or tax notice charges are
1360
delinquent on this parcel."
1361
(5) Except as provided in Subsection (6), the county treasurer shall:
1362
(a) mail the notice required by this section, postage prepaid; or
1363
(b) leave the notice required by this section at the taxpayer's residence or usual place of
1364
business, if known.
1365
(6)(a) Subject to the other provisions of this Subsection (6), a county treasurer may, at
1366
the county treasurer's discretion, provide the notice required by this section by
1367
electronic mail if a taxpayer makes an election, according to procedures determined
1368
by the county treasurer, to receive the notice by electronic mail.
1369
(b) A taxpayer may revoke an election to receive the notice required by this section by
1370
electronic mail if the taxpayer provides written notice to the treasurer on or before
1371
October 1.
1372
(c) A revocation of an election under this section does not relieve a taxpayer of the duty
1373
to pay a tax or tax notice charge due under this chapter on or before the due date for
1374
paying the tax or tax notice charge.
1375
(d) A county treasurer shall provide the notice required by this section using a method
1376
described in Subsection (5), until a taxpayer makes a new election in accordance with
1377
this Subsection (6), if:
1378
(i) the taxpayer revokes an election in accordance with Subsection (6)(b) to receive
1379
the notice required by this section by electronic mail; or
1380
(ii) the county treasurer finds that the taxpayer's electronic mail address is invalid.
1381
(e) A person is considered to be a taxpayer for purposes of this Subsection (6) regardless
1382
of whether the property that is the subject of the notice required by this section is
1383
exempt from taxation.
1384
(7)(a) The county treasurer shall provide the notice required by this section to a taxpayer
1385
on or before November 1.
1386
(b) The county treasurer shall keep on file in the county treasurer's office the information
1387
set forth in the notice.
- 41 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
1388
(c) The county treasurer is not required to mail a tax receipt acknowledging payment.
1389
(8) This section does not apply to property taxed under Section 59-2-1302 or 59-2-1307.
1390
(9)(a) A taxpayer who pays less than the full amount due on the taxpayer's property tax
1391
notice may, on a form provided by the county treasurer, direct how the county
1392
treasurer allocates the partial payment between:
1393
(i) the total amount due for property tax;
1394
(ii) the amount due for assessments, past due special district fees, and other tax notice
1395
charges; and
1396
(iii) any other amounts due on the property tax notice.
1397
(b) The county treasurer shall comply with a direction submitted to the county treasurer
1398
in accordance with Subsection (9)(a).
1399
(c) The provisions of this Subsection (9) do not:
1400
(i) affect the right or ability of a local entity to pursue any available remedy for
1401
non-payment of any item listed on a taxpayer's property tax notice; or
1402
(ii) toll or otherwise change any time period related to a remedy described in
1403
Subsection (9)(c)(i).
1404
Section 16. Section 59-2-1602 is amended to read:
1405
59-2-1602 (Effective 01/01/26). Property Tax Valuation Fund -- Statewide levy --
1406
Additional county levy.
1407
(1)(a) There is created a custodial fund known as the "Property Tax Valuation Fund."
1408
(b) The fund consists of:
1409
(i) deposits made and penalties received under Subsection (3); and
1410
(ii) interest on money deposited into the fund.
1411
(c) Deposits, penalties, and interest described in Subsection (1)(b) shall be disbursed and
1412
used as provided in Section 59-2-1603.
1413
(2)(a) Each county shall annually impose a multicounty assessing and collecting levy as
1414
provided in this Subsection (2).
1415
(b) The tax rate of the multicounty assessing and collecting levy is:
1416
(i) for a calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2022, and before January 1,
1417
2025,.000015; and
1418
(ii) for a calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2025, the certified revenue
1419
levy rounded up to the sixth decimal place.
1420
(c) The state treasurer shall allocate revenue collected from the multicounty assessing
1421
and collecting levy as follows:
- 42 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
1422
(i) 18% of the revenue collected shall be deposited into the Property Tax Valuation
1423
Fund, up to $500,000 annually; and
1424
(ii) after the deposit described in Subsection (2)(c)(i), all remaining revenue collected
1425
from the multicounty assessing and collecting levy shall be deposited into the
1426
Multicounty Appraisal Trust.
1427
(3)(a) The multicounty assessing and collecting levy imposed under Subsection (2) shall
1428
be separately stated on the tax notice as a multicounty assessing and collecting levy.
1429
(b) The multicounty assessing and collecting levy is:
1430
(i) exempt from Sections 17C-1-403 through 17C-1-406;
1431
(ii) in addition to and exempt from the maximum levies allowable under Section
1432
59-2-908; and
1433
(iii) exempt from the notice and public hearing requirements of Section 59-2-919.
1434
(c)(i) Each county shall transmit quarterly to the state treasurer the revenue collected
1435
from the multicounty assessing and collecting levy.
1436
(ii) The revenue transmitted under Subsection (3)(c)(i) shall be transmitted no later
1437
than the tenth day of the month following the end of the quarter in which the
1438
revenue is collected.
1439
(iii) If revenue transmitted under Subsection (3)(c)(i) is transmitted after the tenth
1440
day of the month following the end of the quarter in which the revenue is
1441
collected, the county shall pay an interest penalty at the rate of 10% each year
1442
until the revenue is transmitted.
1443
(d) The state treasurer shall allocate the penalties received under this Subsection (3) in
1444
the same manner as revenue is allocated under Subsection (2)(c).
1445
(4)(a) A county may levy a county additional property tax in accordance with this
1446
Subsection (4).
1447
(b) The county additional property tax:
1448
(i) shall be separately stated on the tax notice as a county assessing and collecting
1449
levy;
1450
(ii) may not be incorporated into the rate of any other levy;
1451
(iii) is exempt from Sections 17C-1-403 through 17C-1-406; and
1452
(iv) is in addition to and exempt from the maximum levies allowable under Section
1453
59-2-908.
1454
(c) Revenue collected from the county additional property tax shall be used to:
1455
(i) promote the accurate valuation and uniform assessment levels of property as
- 43 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
1456
required by Section 59-2-103;
1457
(ii) promote the efficient administration of the property tax system, including the
1458
costs of assessment, collection, and distribution of property taxes;
1459
(iii) fund state mandated actions to meet legislative mandates or judicial or
1460
administrative orders that relate to promoting:
1461
(A) the accurate valuation of property; and
1462
(B) the establishment and maintenance of uniform assessment levels within and
1463
among counties; and
1464
(iv) establish reappraisal programs that:
1465
(A) are adopted by a resolution or ordinance of the county legislative body; and
1466
(B) conform to rules the commission makes in accordance with Title 63G,
1467
Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
1468
Section 17. Section 59-2-1606 is amended to read:
1469
59-2-1606 (Effective 01/01/26). Statewide property tax system funding for
1470
counties -- Disbursements to the Multicounty Appraisal Trust -- Use of funds.
1471
(1) The funds deposited into the Multicounty Appraisal Trust in accordance with Section
1472
59-2-1602 shall be used to provide funding for:
1473
(a) a statewide property tax system that will promote:
1474
(i) the accurate valuation of property;
1475
(ii) the establishment and maintenance of uniform assessment levels among counties
1476
within the state;
1477
(iii) efficient administration of the property tax system, including the costs of
1478
assessment, collection, and distribution of property taxes; and
1479
(iv) the uniform filing of a signed statement a county assessor requests under Section
1480
59-2-306, including implementation of a statewide electronic filing system; and
1481
(b) property valuation services within the counties.
1482
(2)(a) An association representing at least two-thirds of the counties in the state shall
1483
appoint a trustee.
1484
(b) The trustee of the Multicounty Appraisal Trust shall:
1485
(i) determine which projects to fund, including property valuation services within
1486
counties; and
1487
(ii) oversee the administration of a statewide property tax system that meets the
1488
requirements of Subsection (1)(a).
1489
(3)(a) Subject to Subsection (3)(b), the trustee of the Multicounty Appraisal Trust may,
- 44 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
1490
in order to promote the objectives described in Subsection (1), use funds deposited
1491
into the Multicounty Appraisal Trust to hire one or more professional appraisers to
1492
provide property valuation services within a county of the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth
1493
class.
1494
(b) A professional appraiser hired to provide property valuation services under this
1495
Subsection (3) shall:
1496
(i) hold an appraiser's certificate or license from the Division of Real Estate in
1497
accordance with Title 61, Chapter 2g, Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and
1498
Certification Act; and
1499
(ii) be approved by:
1500
(A) the commission; and
1501
(B) an association representing two or more counties in the state.
1502
(4)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(b), each county shall adopt the statewide
1503
property tax system on or before January 1, 2026.
1504
(b) A county is exempt from the requirement in Subsection (4)(a) if:
1505
(i) the county utilizes a computer assisted property tax system for mass appraisal
1506
other than the statewide property tax system;
1507
(ii) the county demonstrates to the trustee of the Multicounty Appraisal Trust and to
1508
the commission that the property tax system described in Subsection (4)(b)(i) is
1509
interoperable with the statewide property tax system; and
1510
(iii) the trustee of the Multicounty Appraisal Trust and the commission approve the
1511
county's exemption from the requirement in Subsection (4)(a).
1512
(c) The commission and an association that represents at least two-thirds of the counties
1513
in the state shall assist any county adopting the statewide property tax system.
1514
(5) In order to promote the objectives described in Subsection (1), the trustee of the
1515
Multicounty Appraisal Trust shall use funds deposited into the Multicounty Appraisal
1516
Trust to:
1517
(a) subject to Subsection (6), develop and maintain a statewide web portal for uniform
1518
access to property characteristics and features relevant to the valuation of real
1519
property;
1520
(b) subject to Subsection (7), develop and maintain a statewide web portal for the
1521
uniform electronic filing of an application to appeal the valuation or equalization of
1522
real property with a county board of equalization under Section 59-2-1004; and
1523
(c) assist counties with tracking and reporting appeals information to the commission as
- 45 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
1524
required by Section 59-2-1018.
1525
(6)(a) The statewide web portal for uniform access to property characteristics and
1526
features developed under Subsection (5)(a) shall, at a minimum, specify the
1527
following property characteristics and features:
1528
(i) property owner's name;
1529
(ii) parcel or serial number;
1530
(iii) situs address;
1531
(iv) mailing address;
1532
(v) tax area;
1533
(vi) the neighborhood;
1534
(vii) property type;
1535
(viii) land type;
1536
(ix) quality or condition;
1537
(x) year of construction;
1538
(xi) gross living area;
1539
(xii) acreage;
1540
(xiii) market value; and
1541
(xiv) taxable value.
1542
(b) In developing the statewide web portal for uniform access to property characteristics
1543
and features under Subsection (5)(a), the Multicounty Appraisal Trust may link the
1544
statewide web portal to a web portal maintained by a county for accessing property
1545
characteristics and features within the county if the Multicounty Appraisal Trust
1546
determines that the county web portal meets the requirements of Subsection (6)(a).
1547
(7) In developing the statewide web portal for the uniform electronic filing of appeal
1548
applications under Subsection (5)(b), the Multicounty Appraisal Trust may link the
1549
statewide web portal to a web portal maintained by a county for the uniform electronic
1550
filing of appeal applications if the Multicounty Appraisal Trust determines that the
1551
county web portal provides equivalent functions as the statewide web portal.
1552
Section 18. Section 59-2-1708 is amended to read:
1553
59-2-1708 (Effective 05/07/25). Change of ownership or legal description.
1554
(1) Subject to the other provisions of this section, land assessed under this part may
1555
continue to be assessed under this part if the land continues to comply with the
1556
requirements of this part, regardless of whether the land continues to have the same
1557
owner or legal description.
- 46 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 202
1558
(2) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), land described in Subsection (1) is subject to the
1559
rollback tax as provided in Section 59-2-1705 if the land is withdrawn from this part.
1560
(3) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), land is withdrawn from this part if:
1561
(a) there is a change in:
1562
(i) the ownership of the land; or
1563
(ii) the legal description of the land; and
1564
(b) after a change described in Subsection (3)(a):
1565
(i) the land does not meet the requirements of Section 59-2-1703;[ or]
1566
(ii) an owner of the land fails to submit a new application for assessment as provided
1567
in Section 59-2-1707[.] within 120 days after the day on which a change described
1568
in Subsection (3)(a) occurs; or
1569
(iii)(A) an owner of the land submits the application required by this section; and
1570
(B) the county denies the application upon review.
1571
(4) Within 30 days from the day on which a county receives an application required by this
1572
section, the county shall:
1573
(a) review the application for completion; and
1574
(b) approve or deny the application.
1575
(5) Land under an application required by this section is not withdrawn from this part for
1576
the period in which the application is under review by the county.
1577
[(4) An application required by this section shall be submitted within 120 days after the day
1578
on which there is a change described in Subsection (3)(a).]
1579
Section 19. Effective Date.
1580
(1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), this bill takes effect for a taxable year beginning
1581
on or after January 1, 2026.
1582
(2) The actions affecting the following sections take effect on May 7, 2025:
1583
(a) Section 59-1-210 (Effective 05/07/25);
1584
(b) Section 59-2-303.1 (Effective 05/07/25);
1585
(c) Section 59-2-331 (Effective 05/07/25);
1586
(d) Section 59-2-509 (Effective 05/07/25);
1587
(e) Section 59-2-702.5 (Effective 05/07/25);
1588
(f) Section 59-2-703 (Effective 05/07/25);
1589
(g) Section 59-2-704 (Effective 05/07/25);
1590
(h) Section 59-2-919 (Effective 05/07/25);
1591
(i) Section 59-2-919.2 (Effective 05/07/25);
- 47 - S.B. 202 Enrolled Copy
1592
(j) Section 59-2-1317 (Effective 05/07/25); and
1593
(k) Section 59-2-1708 (Effective 05/07/25).
- 48 -