Norfolk, Va. – The Norfolk Department of Human Services is accepting applications for the city’s Real Estate Tax Relief/Deferral Program from Friday, March 1, through June 1, 2013.
The program provides eligible seniors and/or disabled homeowners in Norfolk a reduction in their real estate tax and/or an option to defer a certain percentage of tax owed based on the home’s average assessed value.
In order to qualify:
• Residents must be 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled.
• Residents must live in the property.
• The combined income of owners and all relatives living in the home cannot exceed $67,000 per year.
• Net worth, excluding the home, cannot exceed $350,000.
Gross income limits, net worth and the Veterans policy remain unchanged for the upcoming tax year. However, on February 12, 2013, the City of Norfolk approved Ordinance 45,007, which includes the following changes:
• The Norfolk Department of Human Services will accept applications postmarked between March 1 and June 1.
• All applicants must file annually.
• Available funding has been capped at $5 million.
• Relief will be provided as an exemption or deferral up to the average assessment of $203,386. Homeowners with income less than $28,611 may defer taxes on amounts over $203,386.
• All tax deferrals will be subject to proration should the total amount of relief requested exceed the total relief available.
Application Period Starts for Real Estate Tax Relief Program
Community information sessions will be held during March, April and May to assist residents with questions about the program and the application process.
For more information about the sessions or to obtain an application, stop by any Department of Human Services location, send an email to seniortaxrelief@norfolk.gov, call (757) 823-1130 or (757) 664-6035, or visit http://www.norfolk.gov/humanservices for a schedule, informational brochure and to download an application form.
