COUNCI L OF THE DI STRI CT OF COLUMBI A

COUNCI LMEMBER ANI TA BONDS , AT- LARGE

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For Immediate Release:
June 23, 2014

Contact:
Jermaine House (202) 642-9187
David Meadows (202) 714-4530

Anita Bonds Statement on the Effective Repeal of the Senior Citizen
Real Property Tax Relief Act in the FY 2015 Budget Support Act of
2014

I stand firmly behind the idea that seniors, who have stood the course during
trying times, deserve full property tax exemption now that we are experiencing
good times, and I am disappointed that this budget does not contain that
measure.-Anita Bonds
Today, Councilmember Anita Bonds released the following statement on the proposed
repeal of the Senior Citizens Real Property Tax Relief Act of 2014 as enumerated in the
Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Support Act of 2014, in response to inquiries from the senior
citizen community. The original Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief Act, which passed
overwhelmingly by the Council, signed by the Mayor, and included in his budget, provided
for an automatic property tax exemption to senior homeowners who have owned their
homes for at least 20 years and are of age 70 years or older with an adjusted gross income
of $60,000 or less who do not receive more than $12,500 in household interest and
dividends. The FY 2015 Budget Support Act of 2014 amended this provision to require
eligible seniors to pay property taxes. Additionally the provision allows persons 70 years or
older to file Schedule H (with their personal income tax) for a refund of a portion of the
property taxes paid. Seniors, who are 75 years and older qualify for an interest-free
property tax deferral. A complete list of the changes is attached.
The original Senior Citizens Property Tax Relief Bill is effectively repealed in the FY2015
Budget Support Act. The amended budget still provides some property tax relief to long-term
senior citizens homeowners and renters. I support these steps forward and any measure to benefit
seniors trapped in poverty.
I stand firmly behind the idea that seniors, who have stood the course during trying times,
deserve full property tax exemption now that we are experiencing good times, and I am
disappointed that this budget does not contain that measure. As always, I will continue my
commitment to the District senior community and will do everything I can to ensure that they
can afford to remain here now that the city is prospering.
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Jermaine L. House
Director of Public Affairs
Office of Councilmember At-Large Anita Bonds
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
Phone: 202.724.8065