This bill proposes the addition of a new article to the Code of West Virginia, specifically addressing the school excess levy property tax. It establishes a poverty exemption for homeowners whose household income is at or below the federal poverty guidelines. The bill outlines the definitions of key terms, such as "claimant," "school excess levy," and "assessed value," and details the eligibility criteria for the exemption, including the requirement that the property be used exclusively for residential purposes. It also specifies the application process, which must be completed annually between July 1 and December 1, and includes provisions for automatic renewal and waivers of exemption.

Additionally, the bill creates an appeals process for denied claims, mandates the entry of exemption information in property tax books, and introduces criminal penalties for fraudulent claims or assessments related to the poverty exemption. The Tax Commissioner is tasked with providing necessary forms and regulations for the implementation of this article. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect in the tax year following its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-6O-1, 11-6O-2, 11-6O-3, 11-6O-4, 11-6O-5, 11-6O-6, 11-6O-7, 11-6O-8, 11-6O-9