State legislature changes property tax rebate rules

State lawmakers want to make it easier for Arizona homeowners to receive a property tax rebate. An economic development package the legislature approved last year provided a tax break on owner-occupied property, but it required the owner to submit an affidavit every two years stating that the property was their primary residence.

Thursday, the state Senate unanimously approved a bill changing that rule. The bill calls for county assessors to send homeowners regular notices by mail. If they don’t respond on time, or if the home is no longer owner-occupied, the tax break will end. The bill’s already passed the state House.