Bonds Introduces Bill Exempting Some Seniors From Paying ... - DCist

The D.C. Council will consider a bill that would save some of the District's longtime residents money, but take a bite out of the city's coffers. Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At Large) introduced legislation that would exempt some seniors who have lived in the District for at least a quarter-century from paying property taxes.

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer projects Bonds' bill will reduce the District's property tax revenue by $16 million over four years. David Meadows, a spokesman for Bonds, calls it a "drop in the bucket."

Bonds' bill would apply to homeowners who are at least 75 years old and earn less than $60,000 a year. The District, through its Lower Income Homeownership Exemption Program, abates property taxes for qualifying residents for up to five years after closings.

A spokesman for Mayor Vince Gray says the mayor's office is open to to Bonds' bill. "We support the goal of the legislation but need to review the legislative language," Pedro Ribeiro, a Gray spokesman, tells DCist in an email.

As far as ensuring that the tax break only goes to people who meet the residency requirement, Meadows says people would sign an affidavit claiming they have been in D.C. for at least 25 years. "Let's say it goes into effect in for 2014 taxes, which are filed in 2015," Meadows says. "That's 1990. Property tax records are on file."

Bonds' bill is being referred to the Council's Committee on Finance and Revenue, which is led by Jack Evans (D-Ward 2). Evans plans to announce on Saturday that he will run for mayor in the 2014 election.

Source: http://dcist.com/2013/06/bonds_introduces_bill_exempting_som.php

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