The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors announced they are hosting a series of free 2018 Tax Relief Workshops for older adults and people with disabilities in late February and March at several locations throughout the county. Both real estate and vehicle tax relief are available for adults over 65 years of age and people with disabilities who meet certain qualifications.
The fairfaxcounty.gov website states staff from the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration (DTA) will be at the locations to assist with filling out the application form, as well as answering questions. No appointment is necessary.
Two workshops will be hosted by Supervisor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville), March 12 and March 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the McLean District Office, 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean. Call 703-356-0551.
Three workshops will be hosted by Supervisor Catherine Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill), two in Reston and one in Vienna. The Reston workshops are March 8, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at South Lakes High School, 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston - 703-478-0283 and on March 20, 10 a.m. to noon at the North County Government Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston. A Vienna workshop is on Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Madison High School (Lecture Hall), 2500 James Madison Drive in Vienna.
According to the Fairfax County Government, "To qualify for real estate tax relief, you must be at least 65 years of age, or permanently and totally disabled...The gross income from all sources of the owners of the dwelling and any relatives of the owners who reside in the dwelling may not exceed $72,000...The total combined net assets of owners of the dwelling and of the spouse of any owner who resides in the dwelling may not be greater than $340,000, not including the value of the home, its furnishings and the homesite (up to one acre of land).
Renters, who meet the age, disability, residency, and income requirements, as well as other requirements, can qualify for tax relief under the Tax Relief Program. The county reminds applicants when they come to a workshop to be sure to bring with them a copy of their lease agreement and rental receipts or canceled checks for each month of the previous year documenting the amount of rent paid.
As for vehicle (“car”) tax relief, the county states applicants must be at least 65 years of age, or permanently and totally disabled, as of Jan. 1 of the application year and reside in Fairfax County; the exempted vehicle must be owned and used primarily by the applicant, and tax relief will only be granted on one vehicle. Also, the gross income of the applicant may not exceed $22,000. The total combined net assets of the applicant and spouse may not exceed $75,000. Other conditions also apply.
Tax relief is available on mobile homes used as full-time residences.
Fairfax County reminds individuals that returning applicants must file between January 1 and April 1.
For more detailed information and qualifications, go to fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/relief/tax-relief-seniors-people-with-disabilities.