North Dakota Residents Vote To Eliminate Property Taxes

North Dakota residents head to the polls today to cast their vote on whether to eliminate property taxes.

 “I would like to know that my home, no matter what happens to my income or my life, is not going to be taken away from me because I can’t pay my taxes,” said Susan Beehler, who supports the constitutional amendment to eliminate the property tax.

This is a legitimate concern, problems with the IRS or state tax agencies can lead to property liens or foreclosure as the agencies attempt to collect unpaid taxes. Keeping possession of your home amidst tax issues often requires the expertise of a North Dakota tax attorney.

Measure 2 would effectively eliminate all property taxes in North Dakota which has the unique position of being a state that has had revenue surpluses in recent years. While residents see the upside of such an amendment, the downside is that the legislature would be required to replace the lost revenue to communities that depend on it. According to the state Tax Department, eliminating this tax would cost the state $800 million in annual revenue.

Those critical of the amendment include the Chamber of Commerce and labor unions that represent teachers and other public employee unions.

Public opinion shows that elimination of property taxes has traction and very well may pass.

Most people take issue with paying taxes and often take measures to either avoid paying their taxes or fail to file all together. They may get away with it at first but eventually the IRS and state agencies eventually discover the disparity and move to take legal action through a criminal suit or other collection measures which require the representation of a North Dakota tax lawyer.

If you are facing an audit, wage garnishment or a tax lien only a tax attorney has the knowledge and skills to stop collections immediately and negotiate a payment plan for their clients.