At a Glance
Benefit: Exemption of up to $150,000 in true and full value, exclusive of land, for the taxable year in which construction on the dwelling began and the next two taxable years. The taxable year in which construction of a modular or other off-site-built residence began is the year in which construction of the foundation began.
Eligibility: Must be new single-family residential property that is owned by the builder and unoccupied. Must be located within Williams County and outside the limits of any incorporated city. “Builder” includes an individual who builds that individual’s own residence or an individual who builds residences for others.
Deadline:
- February 1: Deadline to have exemption included in current year assessment
- October 1: Deadline to have exemption implemented prior to generation of final Tax Statements
- This program will expire on December 31, 2027, unless otherwise amended or extended by the Williams County Board of County Commissioners.
Details
In compliance with the authority granted by NDCC § 57-02-08(42) and Williams County Board of County Commissioners Resolution No. 2025-04-15.1, Williams County allows a property tax exemption for builders for newly constructed single-family residential property for $150,000 of the true and full value of the property. Only properties located within Williams County and outside the limits of any incorporated city are eligible.
Land on which the property is situated remains assessed and taxed at full value. The property tax exemption also excludes any special assessments on the property. Outbuildings and other improvements normally associated with residential living are also included in the Property Tax Exemption Program. The dwelling itself must qualify for the exemption in order for outbuildings and other improvements to qualify for the exemption.
“Single-family residential property” is defined as:
- Any property that is assessed as real property and classified as residential under NDCC 57-02, including townhomes and condominiums;
- Property that is not taxed on the permit system under NDCC Chapter 57-55; and
- Property that is intended to house one family.
Conditions
- Must be owned by the builder and remain unoccupied for the duration of the exemption period. Only properties located within Williams County and outside the limits of any incorporated city are eligible.
- Any special assessments or real property taxes on the property (or properties) listed in the application must not be delinquent at any time during the exemption period.
- A builder is eligible for the property tax exemption for no more than ten (10) properties in a taxable year. The builder must submit an application for the exemption each year, listing no more than ten properties for which the exemption is requested.
- If a builder holds the exemption and upon sale, the seller does not apply for the homebuyer exemption, then the Assessor’s Office will complete a prorated escaped assessment.
- If any of these conditions are not met at any point during the exemption, the exemption may be revoked through an escaped assessment or other proper means.
Application
Please contact the Assessor’s Office for application assistance.