Tax exemption could save elderly residents thousands on property taxes

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JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - If you're over the age of 65 it could mean the end of paying property taxes.

Jefferson County Tax Assessor Gaynell Hendricks has spent five years trying to get the word out about a tax exemption that could save homeowners thousands of dollars.

"It was so disappointing to me when I would see people come in, the elderly and others who were over the age of 65, knew nothing about the exemptions they were due. I checked with the state and other organizations within the county to see what do we do to let people know what the exemptions are and there was no real document or brochure. It was kind of a word of mouth thing," said Hendricks.

Hendricks changed that by printing up brochures, and buying ad space on billboards.

Hendricks said any Alabama resident over the age of 65 gets a property tax discount. In some cases your property taxes will be cut in half. In addition, if you are over 65 and have less than $12,000 or less of taxable income you could pay no property taxes at all.

"We want them to take advantage of it. It's a great feeling to see them walk in here and say I never knew, but I feel like I won the lottery. My taxes have been cut in half or in some cases zero depending on income," said Hendricks.

People with disabilities could also eligible for the free property tax.

On Wednesday renewal letters will be mailed out to homeowners in Jefferson County who have filed the exemption in the past.

If it's your first time filing the exemption you will need to go down to your local tax assessor's office.

You will need to have your renewal letter turned in no later than December 31.