Will there be any tax relief bills in the upcoming legislative session? ND tax commissioner explains

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - During the last legislative session, North Dakota lawmakers passed a more than $500 million tax relief package, which included the primary residence tax credit. The next legislative session is a little over four months away, and the question becomes whether or not there will be any more tax relief-related bills.

Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus said it is safe to say at this point in time that there is already a variety of different tax relief proposals out there.

Kroshus said whenever the state can provide relief, particularly when the state is in an over-collection situation, they like to do that. He said the state is collecting more than the North Dakota government needs to function. Kroshus said that rather than expanding the budget or placing it in reserves, it’s a perfect time to try and return some dollars to citizens.

“That can be through a credit, like the property tax credits we’ve talked about, homestead, primary residence. It can also, perhaps the most effective mechanism is not to collect it to begin with and just keeping it in the hands of citizens through reduced rates,” said Kroshus.

Kroshus said anytime the state can do that and still maintain quality services, that’s a win-win. He said it creates a very healthy balance.