Ore. lawmakers restore senior property tax deferral
The Oregon House of Representatives passed HB 2510 B unanimously on Monday to provide relief for seniors who were disqualified from the Senior and Disabled Property Tax Deferral Program in 2011.
“This legislation allows people, who were kicked out of the program by HB 2543 in 2011, to participate again in the program beginning in 2014 with new, more stringent requirements,” said Rep. Gene Whisnant (R-Sunriver).
The new legislation allows participates who were disqualified in 2011 due to their reverse mortgage, not meeting a 5-year residency requirement, or both reasons to participate beginning in 2014. The bill does cap the number of new participants at 700.
Created in 1963, the senior property tax deferral program was intended to help poor Oregonians remain in their homes allowing them to defer property taxes. The taxes are paid back with interest after the home sells or the property owner dies.
“I hope many of the Deschutes County seniors who were disqualified will be re-accepted into the new program,” Whisnant commented.
Once the governor signs HB 2510 B, it will take effect on the 91 st day after the 77 th Legislative Assembly adjourns.
The Oregon Department of Revenue will send out notices to all individuals with inactive deferral accounts and there will be a cumulative maximum of 700.
Applications will be accepted from January 1, 2014 through April 15, 2014. To determine your eligibility, call the Department of Revenue’s main number, 503-378-4988, and ask for the Senior and Disabled Property Tax Program staff.
