Budget & Taxes (Tax Incentives · Seniors)

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt certain senior citizens from paying property taxes on their primary residences. Under the plan, individuals who are 80 years of age or older would qualify for this exemption if they own and live in the home. Additionally, a surviving spouse of an eligible senior citizen could continue to receive the tax break if they are at least 75 years old, remain unmarried, and continue to own and occupy the same primary residence. If approved by voters, this change would require the state legislature to pass a specific law to establish the details of the exemption.

This bill, the "Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral Act," allows eligible seniors aged 65+ to delay paying property taxes until they sell their home, move out, or pass away. To qualify, seniors must have a home valued under $500,000, no reverse mortgage, and an annual household income under $50,000. The deferral covers up to 110% of current property taxes (adjusted for existing rebates), but cannot exceed 75% of the home’s equity after liens. Applications must be submitted annually by April 1st to the local tax collector. The bill aims to prevent tax sales and foreclosure for low-income seniors facing financial hardship.