HD7 - Interim Report Relating to the Extent of Use and Fairness of the Commonwealth's Various "Land Use" Tax Programs

  • Published: 1994
  • Author: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Department of Conservation and Recreation and Department of Forestry and Department of Taxation
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 669 (Regular Session, 1993)

Executive Summary:
House Joint Resolution Number 669, adopted by the Legislature in 1993, calls upon the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Department of Forestry, and the Department of Taxation:

"to study cooperatively the extent of use and fairness of the several 'land use' tax incentive programs... in Virginia and recommend any needed improvements and ways for localities to promote the availability of the programs to qualified landowners."

The present document constitutes an interim report, required by the resolution. The interim report characterizes the constitutional background of the land-use-assessment tax incentive programs in Virginia, as well as the statutes and regulations that govern those programs. The report also contains: (i) a description of the role played by each of the agencies named in the resolution; (ii) the results of surveys of stakeholders in the use-assessment programs; and (iii) recommendations relating to the nature of, as well as the estimated costs of research and preparing, the final report, due November 1, 1994.

Recommendation: House Joint Resolution No. 669 stipulated that the requested study should be accompli shed at no net cost to the Commonwealth. It is the recommendation of the study group that the Commonwealth contract with an independent organization to conduct Phase II of the study. This action is recommended so as to:

1. Provide for statistically valid data collection and analysis;

2. Ensure the objectivity of the study;

3. Maximize public participation in the study; and

4. Provide the required technical expertise necessary to assure the level of analysis that this important issue deserves.

The study group estimates that the cost of contracting with an independent organization would be as much as $125,000. In order for the assigned agencies to complete the study fully, it is recommended that the 1994 General Assembly provide the necessary funding.