HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 62

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Mimi Stewart

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE TAXATION AND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF PROPERTY TAX CODE ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES.

     WHEREAS, the Property Tax Code was created in the early 1970s; and

     WHEREAS, the provisions of the Property Tax Code reflect the technological and information-processing capabilities prevailing in the early 1970s, but have not been systematically reviewed since then; and

     WHEREAS, taking advantage of current information technology and statistical methodology can focus the code away from detailed and lengthy procedures to a concentration on proper valuation, effective protest options, instilling accountability and making information more accessible to the public; and

     WHEREAS, among the major taxes, the property tax has the highest ratio of administrative costs to tax collections and reducing that ratio promotes efficiency; and

     WHEREAS, current property tax payment deadlines require further study as the deadlines might place an unnecessary burden upon taxpayers; and

     WHEREAS, the blue ribbon tax reform commission recommended that the legislature request a study of the administrative, reporting and procedural aspects of the Property Tax Code;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the taxation and revenue department be requested to conduct a study of the administrative, reporting and procedural aspects of the Property Tax Code and report its findings to the revenue stabilization and tax policy committee; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the taxation and revenue department make recommendations to the revenue stabilization and tax policy committee regarding improvement of administration of the Property Tax Code by December 2004; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that two copies of each written report of the taxation and revenue department's findings and recommendations provided to the revenue stabilization and tax policy committee be filed with the legislative council service; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of taxation and revenue and the members of the revenue stabilization and tax policy committee.

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