Taylor County plan would tie home tax breaks to sales tax

Taylor County would exempt part of eligible homesteads from county property taxes. It would cover Taylor County special district residents with homestead property in the district. It would apply only to county taxes and would be added to other homestead exemptions. The exempt amount would be based each year on net proceeds from the local sales and use tax; home value above that amount would remain taxable. A first application would be required, except for people who received another county homestead exemption for the same property in the prior year and remain eligible. After approval, the exemption would renew yearly while the resident occupies the home as a homestead and remains eligible. The resident must tell the county tax official if they become ineligible. If voters and both legislative chambers approve the plan, the exemption would apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2039. The local sales tax would run from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2037.

Taylor County voters would decide whether the plan takes effect. The county election superintendent would submit the act to Taylor County voters. More than half of votes cast on the question must favor approval, and both the House and Senate must approve the act by a two-thirds vote. If voters reject the act or the election is not held as required, the exemption provisions would not take effect and the act would be repealed 365 days after the election date. The election would be held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026. If approved, the main provisions would take effect January 1, 2027.