Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II announced Monday that homeowners can reduce their property tax burden by applying for a homestead exemption by April 30. No exemptions will be granted after the deadline.
Application forms for homestead protection for tax year 1998 are available at the St. Thomas Tax Assessor’s Office in Builder’s Emporium, second floor (behind the Roy L. Schneider Hospital). In St. Croix, forms can be obtained at the Lieutenant Governor’s Office at 1131 King St. in Christiansted and at the Lagoon Street Complex in Frederiksted.
The Tax Assessor’s Office issues real property tax bills on or before May 15 of each year, which become payable by June 30. Delinquency begins Sept. 1. There are several exemptions available that are designed to lessen the burden of real property taxes for those who qualify.
They include:
— General Homestead Exemption: Available to taxpayers who occupy their homes as their primary residence as of Jan. 15, 1999. Maximum exemption possible is $250. To apply, fill out a homestead exemption form with the Office of the Tax Assessor by April 30.
— Veterans Homestead Exemption: Available to property owners who received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Services. Maximum exemption possible is $312.50. To apply, provide a copy of your DD214 form discharge papers in addition to filling out the Veterans Exemption Form to the Tax Assessor’s Office by April 30.
— Elderly Homestead Exemption: Available to property owners 60 years and older with an annual income of up to $10,500 (excluding Social Security). Maximum exemption possible is $375. To apply, provide proof of age and verify level of income to the Tax Assessor’s Office by April 30.
— Non-profit Organization Exemption: Available to any non-profit organization whose property is open to the general public and primarily used for recreational, educational and literary purposes. One-hundred percent of the total amount of real property taxes is available for deduction. To apply, a notarized non-profit application form should be submitted to the Tax Assessor’s Office on or before Oct. 1 of each year.
For more information on the homestead exemptions and real property taxes, contact the Office of the Tax Assessor at 776-8505 in St. Thomas, 776-6737 in St. John, 773-6449 in Christiansted and 772-3115 in Frederiksted.