SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5005

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 18, 1991

Brief Description:  Modifying the qualifying age for the senior citizen real property tax exemption.

SPONSORS:Senators L. Kreidler, Moore, Conner, Gaspard, Bauer and Snyder.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff:  Terry Wilson (786‑7715)

Hearing Dates:

BACKGROUND:

Qualifying senior citizens and persons retired because of physical disability are entitled to a property tax exemption on their principal residence.  The exemption applies to taxes payable in the year following the year in which a claim is filed, and thereafter.  To qualify, a person must be 61 years of age on January 1 of the year of application or retired from employment because of a physical disability.  In addition, a person who qualifies for the senior citizen exemption program is also eligible to defer any taxes payable on the residence.

SUMMARY:

A person qualifies for the senior citizen property tax exemption and deferral programs if the person is 61 years of age by December 31 of the year of application.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

Effective Date:  This act applies to taxes levied for collection in 1992.