If you re a taxpayer who is 65 years of age or older or if you are drawing Social Security Disability benefits, you are entitled to file for an exemption of taxes on property on which you live that consists of 160 acres or less. When filing for the exemption, please keep the following rules in mind:

If filing for an over 65 exemption, you must be age 65 prior to Oct. 1

If you filed an income tax return for 2007 you must bring a copy with you when applying for the exemption because this exemption is based on income. But regardless of the amount of income you still qualify for a partial exemption due to age.

If you are drawing Social Security Disability benefits you must present a copy of your Notice of Award letter from Social Security or letters from two different doctors stating you are totally and permanently disabled. Income is not a factor on this type of exemption but you must have the above-mentioned documentation.

You must make all applications for exemption by Dec. 31 for the 2009 tax year. Applications made now will not be in effect until the 2009 tax year.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Tax Assessor’s office at 755-0155. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.