This bill amends the General Property Tax Act to expand the tax exemption for homestead properties owned by certain individuals. Specifically, it clarifies that real property used and owned as a homestead by any disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran is exempt from property taxes. Additionally, it introduces a new category for the surviving spouse of a veteran or member of the United States Armed Forces who is entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The exemption applies to any homestead property owned by the surviving spouse, including properties acquired after the veteran's death.

The bill also outlines the process for obtaining the exemption, requiring eligible individuals or their legal designees to file an application with the local assessing officer. It specifies that the exemption must be canceled for any year in which the eligible individual acquires title to exempt property. Furthermore, it establishes that once granted, the exemption remains in effect without the need for reapplication until rescinded or denied. The bill includes provisions for prorating the exemption if the property is not used as a homestead for the entire tax year and defines key terms such as "disabled veteran" and "veteran" to ensure clarity in the application of the law.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 211.7