Chapter 06-101

2006 -- H 8062

Enacted 06/13/06

A N A C T

AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF EAST GREENWICH TO IMPLEMENT A TAX INCREASE DEFERRAL PROGRAM FOR SENIOR RESIDENT HOMEOWNERS

Introduced By: Representative Robert A. Watson

Date Introduced: May 03, 2006

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 44-3 of the General Laws entitled "Property Subject to Taxation"

is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

44-3-58.1. Tax deferment of increase in property taxes of persons sixty-five (65)

years of age or older. – The town council of the town of East Greenwich is authorized to

provide, by ordinance, that the payment of any increases in property taxes on the primary

residence owned and occupied by a person or persons who are sixty-five (65) years of age or

older, may be deferred, interest free, by the eligible taxpayer until such time as the property is

disposed of by reason of the death of all owners who are sixty-five (65) years of age or older, or

by reason of transfer or conveyance, at which time the total deferred taxes will be paid to the

town. An eligible taxpayer is defined as an individual who is a resident of the town of East

Greenwich for income tax purposes, is sixty-five (65) years of age or older, and has resided in

the primary residence located in the town of East Greenwich, for which the deferral is claimed,

for a minimum of five (5) years. There is no income or means test for eligibility. In the case of a

married couple, at least one spouse must be sixty-five (65) years of age or older. The deferral is

optional, to be made at the request of the eligible taxpayer to the tax assessor. Any taxes so

deferred will become a lien on the property. The eligible taxpayer may remove the lien at any

time by paying the total taxes due, interest free. This deferral is in addition to any and all other

exemptions which the taxpayer may be entitled by law. The town council of the town of East

Greenwich shall establish the requirements and application and/or verification procedures for

taxpayers to avail themselves of this deferment.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect in the tax year following its passage.

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LC03130

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