Any exemption from ad valorem taxation in this state as provided by this chapter on account of the use or ownership of real property on the part of any governmental or private entity shall be determined with respect to the ownership and use of such property on the legal assessment day regardless of after acquired or disposed of property, except as provided in § 10-4-19.2. However, any person, firm, or corporation, owning or controlling any property transferred to any entity exempt from taxation as provided in this chapter shall be liable for the payment of all taxes based on an assessment during the year of transfer, proportionate to the length of time such nonexempt person, firm, or corporation owned such property, and until the date on which such tax–exempt entity is legally entitled to and has acquired actual possession of such property and is making use of the same for the purposes of the tax–exempt entity. Such transferred property may not be taxed for any month in the taxable year in which such property is in the legal possession of any such tax–exempt entity for more than sixteen days.

Source: SL 1970, ch 68; SL 1985, ch 69, § 1; SL 1992, ch 80, § 15.