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Del. Iaquinto’s bill helping homeowners passes House

Del. Iaquinto’s effort to shift the burden of proof to the government in real estate tax assessments got a resounding show of support in the House of Delegates, passing with overwhelming bipartisan support, 86-13.

“There is no reason that the taxpayer should have the heightened burden to defend his property.” Iaquinto said. “It is time we level the playing field so the taxpayer has a fighting chance to challenge his assessment.”

House Bill 570, which passed the House of Delegates today with strong bipartisan support, would benefit homeowners who challenge a tax assessor’s valuation of their property.

Currently, when a taxpayer believes he is being overcharged, he faces an uphill battle because the government’s assessment is presumed to be correct in any appeal. Iaquinto’s bill would lift that burden off the taxpayer by simply requiring the government official to demonstrate how the assessment was calculated.

It’s a strong point. Government has lots of information at its disposal, and should have to justify its conclusion.

Iaquinto’s bill now heads to the Senate.