Stoicheff Seeks Tax Cap

Rep. Jim Stoicheff hopes to give North Idahoans property tax relief by capping rising property assessments.

Property values could not increase more than 4 percent a year under a bill the Sandpoint Democrat presented Wednesday.

Stoicheff told members of a House subcommittee many property owners have valuable homes, but are not particularly wealthy people. That can mean unfair tax hikes when growth pushes property taxes up.

Under the bill, property values would rise no more than 4 percent a year, unless the property changed hands or improvements were made. Then the assessment would increase to market value.

Stoicheff also proposed a bill allowing local governments to assess non-property taxes, with the approval of voters.

Both bills will be considered by the House Revenue and Tax Committee.