Real estate tax relief is extended to qualifying homeowners who submit an annual elderly and disabled tax relief application.

Individuals must be at least 65 years old by January 1 of the tax relief year; have an annual household income of $25,000 or less; and have a net worth that does not exceed $65,000 (home excluded).

The deadline for real estate tax relief is February 15. This does not include personal property taxes.

Veterans with a 100% service-related disability, or their surviving spouse, are eligible for an exemption to their property tax.

The exemption must be supported by a letter from the Federal Department of Veterans Services stating that, according to the Veterans Administration, the disability is considered 100% and permanent. Spouses must provide a death certificate confirming the death was on or after Jan. 1, 2011. Other documentation is also required.

“The tax relief for the elderly and/or disabled was started in 1994. The Board of Supervisors adopted the program to help citizens that qualify based on their income, age, or disability get tax relief on real estate taxes which includes their primary residence and up to one acre of land.

In 2011, the General Assembly session exempted real estate taxes for service-connected permanent and total disabled veterans and their surviving spouse on their primary residence and up to one acre of land,” said Robin Goard, Pittsylvania County Commissioner of Revenue.

Goard continued, “These programs are helpful to Pittsylvania County citizens that are elderly or disabled who may find themselves without the means or resources to pay their real estate taxes. By applying for tax relief, they can receive anywhere from 20% to 100% in tax relief.”

To learn more about the real estate tax relief for the elderly and disabled, click here.

To learn more about the veterans service-related disability exemption on property taxes, click here.