Roy tax review board denies exemption request after lack of mail notifications

Weber County officials are addressing a significant tax exemption issue that has arisen from a property ownership change in Roy. During a recent commission work session, it was revealed that a warranty deed transfer had inadvertently led to the loss of a primary residential tax exemption for the property, resulting in an unexpected tax increase of approximately $1,800 for the new owners.

The situation began when the property’s mailing address was changed to Tremonton, which triggered a shift from a primary exemption to no exemption. Despite three notices sent to the new address, the owners reported never receiving any communication regarding the change. This lack of notification became a focal point during the meeting, as the owners expressed frustration over the missed opportunity to rectify the situation in a timely manner.

In January, the new owners submitted an application to reinstate the primary exemption for the 2025 tax year, which was approved due to the presence of long-term renters. However, the tax review board denied the request for the 2024 exemption, citing that the application was submitted after the deadline. The commission discussed the procedural aspects of the notifications and the challenges of ensuring that property owners receive important tax-related information.

The commission is now considering ways to improve communication with property owners to prevent similar issues in the future. One suggestion included exploring certified mail options for critical notifications, although the cost of such measures poses a challenge given the volume of properties in the county.

As the commission moves forward, they aim to enhance their processes to ensure that property owners are adequately informed about their tax exemptions and responsibilities. This case highlights the importance of clear communication between local government and residents, particularly regarding financial obligations that can significantly impact homeowners.