VENTURA : Tax Relief Available to Senior Citizens

Two tax relief programs geared toward senior citizens are accepting applications.

Qualified senior citizens can apply for the Homeowner and Renter Assistance Program, which reimburses taxpayers for a portion of their property taxes, or the Property Tax Postponement Program, through which they can defer paying taxes on their homes.

Kris Kuzmich, administrative aide to state Sen. Jack O’Connell (D-Carpinteria), said the programs are lifelines to many older area adults with low incomes.

“There’s a segment of the population in the county that really relies on this,” she said. Applications for both programs are available at the senator’s Ventura office, 89 S. California St.

To qualify for the Homeowner and Renter Assistance Program, applicants must have been at least 62 years old on Dec. 31, 1994, or blind or disabled. They must have had a total 1994 household income of $13,200 or less.

Homeowners must have lived in their current home on Dec. 31, 1994. Renters must have lived in a rented residence for all or part of 1994 and paid at least $50 in rent each month.

The size of the reimbursement applicants will receive depends on their income. Those earning between $12,651 and $13,200 will receive 4% of the property taxes on the first $34,000 of their homes. Applicants with incomes up to $3,300 can get 96% reimbursed.

The amount of assistance for renters ranges from $10 to $240.

The Property Tax Postponement Program allows qualified applicants to defer paying all or part of the taxes on their homes. In most cases, the deferred taxes need not be paid until the applicant moves, sells the home or dies.

Applicants must be at least 62 years old or blind or disabled. They must also earn $24,000 or less each year.

Those interested in deferring their 1995-96 taxes must apply by Dec. 9. For information, contact the state controller’s office at (800) 952-5661.

Applications for the Homeowner and Renter Assistance Program must be filed with the Franchise Tax Board by Aug. 31. Contact the board at (800) 852-5711.