The bill introduces significant changes to property taxation in Kansas, particularly focusing on residential and commercial properties. It establishes a new provision that limits homestead property taxes for individuals aged 65 and older to not exceed the base year amount of property taxes owed, provided they meet certain qualifications, such as having occupied the property as their primary residence in the previous year. Additionally, the bill mandates that any property used for healthcare services by a tax-exempt corporation will no longer be exempt from property taxes if there is competition from comparable non-exempt properties in the area. The bill also amends K.S.A. 79-201 and repeals the existing section, thereby updating the legal framework governing property tax exemptions.

The new legal language specifies that the base year for tax calculations will be the year the property owner turns 65 or 2026 for those who turned 65 before 2027. It also outlines the responsibilities of county appraisers and clerks in administering these changes, including the requirement for applications to be submitted by April 1 for the upcoming tax year. The bill aims to ensure that tax exemptions are fairly applied and that properties competing in the healthcare sector contribute to local tax revenues. Overall, these amendments are designed to provide financial relief to senior homeowners while ensuring equitable taxation for commercial properties.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 79-201