Art. XVI, § 1

Power of taxation; exemptions from taxation

Limit Taxes, Money & Commerce Art. XVI · Taxation

Official text rightpowerlimitif conditionlegal term

The power of taxation shall never be surrendered, suspended or contracted away, except as to securities issued for public purposes pursuant to law. Any laws which delegate the taxing power shall specify the types of taxes which may be imposed thereunder and provide for their review.

Exemptions from taxation may be granted only by general laws. Exemptions may be altered or repealed except those exempting real or personal property used exclusively for religious, educational or charitable purposes as defined by law and owned by any corporation or association organized or conducted exclusively for one or more of such purposes and not operating for profit.

Simplified explanation

The power of taxation shall never be surrendered, suspended or contracted away, except as to public securities. Laws delegating taxing power must specify the taxes and provide for review. Exemptions come only by general laws, and religious, educational or charitable property exemptions may not be altered or repealed.