(1) A surviving spouse of the claimant may elect to continue the property in its deferred tax status if the property is the residence of the spouse of the claimant and the spouse meets the requirements of this chapter.

     (2) The election under this section to continue the property in its deferred status by the spouse of the claimant shall be filed in the same manner as an original claim for deferral is filed under this chapter, not later than ninety days from the date of the claimant's death. Thereupon, the property with respect to which the deferral of special assessments and/or real property taxes is claimed shall continue to be treated as deferred property. When the property has been continued in its deferred status by the filing of the spouse of the claimant of an election under this section, the spouse of the claimant may continue the property in its deferred status in subsequent years by filing a claim under this chapter so long as the spouse meets the qualifications set out in this section.

[1975 1st ex.s. c 291 § 40.]