By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
King County Assessor John Wilson recently expressed his gratitude to the members of the state Senate and House for passing a senior tax relief bill, HB 1355, sponsored by Rep. Sharon Wylie (D Vancouver). The bill will expand the qualifying income threshold for the property tax exemption and deferral programs for low-income senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.
“One thing Ron Sims taught me was the value of reaching out,” says Wilson. “And this is so important for seniors and folks with disabilities to be able to stay in their homes. The bill will help people save thousands of dollars, and that is huge for seniors.”
Advocates claim the bill will allow the programs to keep up with inflation and ensure that more people are eligible. The bill immediately raises the current threshold by five percent and ties future increases to the most county median household level. For example, in King County, income eligibility levels will be raised from roughly $58,000 per year to just over $72,000 per year.
According to Wilson, the Senior Tax Relief Bill is an important piece of legislation that will provide financial assistance to low-income seniors, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. The bill will help them save thousands of dollars, making it easier for them to stay in their homes and maintain their independence.
“The Legislature is working on many proposals to increase the supply of housing this year, but one smart thing we can do is use tax relief,” says Wilson. “Tax relief can help keep more people, particularly seniors struggling to make ends meet, in their current homes.”
“This is what this bill will do,” Wilson added.
