Earlier this week, the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors approved revisions to the Elderly and Disabled Tax Relief program.

The revisions include the following:

• Changing the annual income threshold from $25,000 to $30,000;
• Increasing the new worth maximum from $60,000 to $70,000;
• Increasing the maximum exemption from $450 to $600.

The tax impact is dependent upon the number of individuals who participate in the program and only pertains to the real estate tax. The relief reduces the real estate tax on a home plus up to one acre of land and is for the primary residence.

Qualifications include being at least 65 years old by January 1 of the tax relief year; have a household income of $30,000 or less; have a net worth that does not exceed $70,000 (home excluded).

Those who are not age 65 but are permanently or totally disabled may qualify. Individuals must provide the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office with a letter from the Social Security office, other government office or two doctors indicating that you are permanently and totally disabled and unable to engage in any substantial employment due to the disability. You must still meet the income and net worth requirements.

Applications are due by February 15 of each year.

“The Board is sensitive to the needs and struggles that our older and disabled residents are experiencing, especially as property values continue to increase, and this is a way to alleviate some of the tax burden on those individuals. The Board encourages all those who qualify for the program to apply,” said Darrell Dalton, Chairman, Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors.

To learn more and to apply, click here or call the Commissioner of Revenue office at 434-432-7940.