SS/SCS/SB 15 - This act modifies provisions relating to property taxes. SENIOR CITIZENS PROPERTY TAX CREDIT Current law authorizes an income tax credit for certain senior citizens and disabled veterans in amount equal to a portion of such taxpayer's property tax liabilities, not to exceed $750 in rent constituting property taxes actually paid or $1,100 in actual property tax paid. This act annually adjusts such maximum amounts for inflation. (Section 135.025) Additionally, current law limits the tax credit to qualifying taxpayers with an income of $27,500 or less, or $30,000 in the case of a homestead owned and occupied by a claimant for the entire year. This act increases such maximum income to $35,000, or $38,000 in the case of a homestead owned and occupied by a claimant for the entire year, and annually adjusts both amounts for inflation. (Section 135.030) These provisions are substantially similar to HB 666 (2023) and HCS/HB 1134 (2023), and to provisions in HCS/SS/SB 143 (2023), HCS/SB 247 (2023), and HB 1351 (2023). PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS This act provides that if the overall level of assessment, as defined in the act, for all real property in a subclass is lower than the individual level of assessment, as defined in the act, of an individual parcel of real property in such subclass, then the individual level of assessment for such parcel shall be reduced to the overall level of assessment. Such reduction shall be made upon an appeal by the taxpayer. (Section 137.132) This provision is identical to a provision in SS/SB 95 (2023) and SB 1108 (2022). PROTESTED PROPERTY TAXES Current law requires a taxpayer to file a written protest of property taxes with the collector at the same time such taxpayer makes full payment of such taxes. This act repeals such requirement. This act also provides that the interest due to a taxpayer whose protested taxes were distributed to a taxing authority shall be calculated from the date that the protested taxes were distributed to the taxing authority through the date of the refund. Any taxpayer determined by a circuit court or the State Tax Commission to be entitled to a refund of property taxes shall receive such refund from the collector within fifteen days of the final determination of the refund amount by the circuit court or State Tax Commission. If such refund is not issued within fifteen days, the taxpayer shall be entitled to interest on the refund as calculated under current law. (Section 139.031) This provision is identical to a provision in SS/SB 95 (2023) and SB 1108 (2022). JOSH NORBERG