Should Eligible Seniors Get an Additional Homestead Tax Exemption?

On the agenda for the Hillsborough County Commissioners today, Jan. 9, is a measure to increase property tax relief for eligible seniors, ages 65 and older.

The increase is being proposed by Kevin Beckner, who as the commissioner for District 6 represents the Greater Brandon area as well as the county at-large.

According to the Jan. 9 agenda for the Hilsborough County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the measure defines "eligible seniors" as those whose income does not exceed limitations prescribed in Florida Statute 196.075.

As worded, the commissioners would pass an ordinance granting an additional homestead tax exemption equal to the assessed value of the property for seniors aged 65 and older:

• Who have lived in their homes for 25 years or longer;

• Whose real estate has a value of less than $250,000; and

• Whose household income does not exceed the income limitations contained in Florida Statute 196.075 and in Amendment 11

The measure would amend an ordinance "that increases the property tax exemption from $40,000 to $50,000 for eligible seniors who are aged 65 and older, whose home is maintained as their permanent residence and whose income does not exceed the income limitations as prescribed in Florida Statute 196.075."

To qualify for a 2012 senior exemption, the total household income in the prior year (2011) could not exceed $27,030. The income requirement is adjusted annually.

Beckner's proposal is scheduled to be addressed at 10 a.m. The board meets at the Frederick B. Karl County Center, at 601 East Kennedy Blvd., in the second-story boardroom. The overall meeting is set to begin 9 a.m.

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What's your view? Should the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners vote to increase the property tax exemption for eligible seniors?

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