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Does the state offer any assistance/breaks for people who can't afford obscene property taxes? For example in cases where people are elderly, no income, house paid off - but still have to make payments on taxes that in some areas range from 20-40K for larger properties.
It is not the fault of the individual who's paid all their mortage related expenses and contributions to society - it's a question of the state burdening it's citizens with tax bills many can't afford.
We give breaks to those in foreclosure, and now Obamacare for those who don't work, unemployment benefits - what about those in the middle or in cases like this?
There is a program that helps the elderly on low fixed income. It basically locks your tax rate to what it is when you qualified for SS. So if you became eligible for SS in 1985 and are considered low income, you're still paying the same real estate taxes as you locked in in 1985. The purpose of this rule was to prevent seniors from being forced out of the state to cheaper states.
Except many houses are not selling. In this case this is not the fault of someone who bought a house that is beyond their means and got greedy. Bought a house decades ago, paid mortage over 30 years and now burdened with tax bills that we all know are excessive.
There is a program that helps the elderly on low fixed income. It basically locks your tax rate to what it is when you qualified for SS. So if you became eligible for SS in 1985 and are considered low income, you're still paying the same real estate taxes as you locked in in 1985. The purpose of this rule was to prevent seniors from being forced out of the state to cheaper states.
Does the state offer any assistance/breaks for people who can't afford obscene property taxes? For example in cases where people are elderly, no income, house paid off - but still have to make payments on taxes that in some areas range from 20-40K for larger properties.
It is not the fault of the individual who's paid all their mortage related expenses and contributions to society - it's a question of the state burdening it's citizens with tax bills many can't afford.
We give breaks to those in foreclosure, and now Obamacare for those who don't work, unemployment benefits - what about those in the middle or in cases like this?
Rhetorical question I guess..
Yes, sometimes senior citizens can get a tax break. I know they do it in my hometown, because my mother's friend gets a break (so does my mom, but because she's the widow of a 100% DAV), but I'm not sure if it's on the municipal level or what.
Yes, it's easy to sit there and point a cold finger and say "sell your house", but for some of these elderly people, they have lived in that house for a half century or more. Their church is there, their family and friends are close by, and it's not a piece of cake to pick yourself up at 83 and move someplace new where you don't know anyone. That could be a death sentence. These people paid the taxes and made the town what it was in prep for all those who decided it would be a great place to live in later years. Give them a break and let them live out their lives in their homes.
Where is my break for paying into SS I will never be able to collect?
Wow, bitter much?
If you read what I wrote, my reasoning is IF we give plenty of breaks to those who made poor financial decisions or are in bad situation for whatever reason then why is this not the case for individuals who are in situations that are no fault of their own. In the case I describe it is the STATE that made poor financial decision and is passing it on to citizens who took care of their own books and payments and now being saddled with high bills so the STATE can pay it's own bloated payroll bills.
I am not one to support handouts or "breaks", trust me. But in some cases where people are being robbed, it makes sense to speak up and ask. Plus your oh so helpful suggestion to "just sell" is not realistic right? Market is tanked. The burden is disproportionate and is hitting those who had no part in the problem. And paying into SS that you can't collect, fine that's a fair complaint that is being debated ad nauseum by our political friends and media pundits. I am raising a question on a issue that I never hear discussed. If it annoys you, then don't read it.
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