Even after someone has passed away, governments may still be charging them interest and penalties on property taxes, creating significant financial issues for their heirs. New legislation aims to provide relief, ensuring grieving families aren’t on the hook for penalties incurred after their loved one has passed.

Senate Bill 2832, filed by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), would allow for the estate of a deceased individual to apply for a waiver with the county treasurer to prevent interest and penalties from being charged on delinquent property taxes for the deceased individual. The waiver would apply from the date of the decedent’s death until either the estate is closed or the property is sold, transferred, or conveyed.

The last thing a grieving family should have to worry about after the loss of a loved one is the government charging interest and penalties on bills they may not even know exist.