2008 Senate Bill 1239 / Public Act 198

Revise homestead tax credit audits

Introduced in the Senate

March 26, 2008

Introduced by Sen. Cameron Brown (R-16)

To revise the law that requires either the Department of Treasury or a county to undertake audits of the validity of principle residence (homestead) property tax exemptions claimed by homeowners. Under current law a county may elect to be responsible for the audits for a period of two years. The bill would change this to five years.

Referred to the Committee on Finance

May 27, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

June 4, 2008

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

June 5, 2008

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

Received in the House

June 5, 2008

Referred to the Committee on Tax Policy

June 11, 2008

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

June 26, 2008

Substitute offered by Rep. Marc Corriveau (D-20)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that also extends the deadline for the owner of a former principle residence that is unsold and vacant to request a "recission" of the rescinding of the principle residence property tax exemption. The deadline extension would only apply during 2008. Under current law, an owner in this predicament can keep the principle residence exemption for up to three years, as long as he or she is not also claiming an exemption on another principle residence.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 107 to 0 (details)

To revise the law that requires either the Department of Treasury or a county to undertake audits of the validity of principle residence (homestead) property tax exemptions claimed by homeowners. Under current law a county may elect to be responsible for the audits for a period of two years. The bill would change this to five years. Also, to extend the deadline for the owner of a former principle residence that is unsold and vacant to request a "recission" of the rescinding of the principle residence property tax exemption. The deadline extension would only apply during 2008.

Received in the Senate

June 27, 2008

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

July 10, 2008