How to Reduce Property Taxes

Wyoming has no income tax. We have three ways to raise revenue to fund our state - sales tax, natural resource extraction taxes, and commercial and residential property taxes. Skyrocketing home prices have created a tax crisis for property owners in our community and in the State. 

I have been working on several programs and initiatives to keep property taxes manageable for residents, especially families on a fixed income and retirees. To deliver financial support to those who need it most we have to fund the programs we have and expand legislation that defers gains until the time of sale or transfer. 

Permanently Fund the Tax Abatement Program 

It was former local Representative Clarene Law that first tackled skyrocketing property taxes with a tax rebate program. Through this program if you are a senior citizen or on a fixed income, the State would abate (pay a portion of) your tax bill. This program has been subject to budget cuts over the years, including in 2020. Me and Representative Andy Schwartz were able to re-fund the program in 2021. We must keep tools like the Abatement program funded to be able to quickly respond and provide financial assistance to those who need it most. 

A Constitutional Approach Won’t Work - We Need a Cap-Deferment Program

Amending the constitution to fix our property tax crisis will be too little, too late for most residents. A better approach for Wyoming residents is the creation of a cap program. Such a law would allow the constitutional statute of assessing property taxes based on 95% of the property’s value while shifting the burden of the tax. 

We need real solutions for the property tax crisis and proven leadership that can get these solutions enacted and funded. Vote for Mike Gierau for House District 17.