Senior Citizens’ Homestead Exemption 

As county property taxes continue to rise across Tennessee, many older homeowners feel they are being “punished” for a lifetime of fiscal responsibility. The solid investment they made in their homes seems to be coming back to haunt them. Rising property taxes prey upon the appreciated value of their homes. Those on fixed incomes are hit hardest because they do not have extra income to pay the extra tax assessed as the value of their home increases. 

Seniors should not have to choose between paying for prescriptions or property taxes.  

           In order to provide meaningful tax relief for all seniors, I am sponsoring legislation for a Homestead Exemption in Tennessee. 

The Tennessee Constitution currently prohibits distinctions between taxpayers based on age or income. Article II, Section 28 requires that all property be taxed according to its value and that such taxes be equal and uniform. Each respective taxing authority shall apply the same rate to all property within its jurisdiction, and elderly tax relief obligations shall not be imposed upon counties, cities and towns. 

My legislation proposes the Constitutional referendum necessary to permit tax relief for seniors; to “freeze” the property tax, and protect against future reassessments and property tax hikes. 

It will be necessary for the General Assembly to approve this legislation in two successive sessions. I was able to pass it by majority votes in the Senate and House this year; next year, it must pass again by two-thirds. If passed, a Constitutional amendment for the Homestead Exemption will be on the ballot in 2006. This will give the citizens of Tennessee the opportunity to vote on joining the ranks of so many other states which recognize the sacrifice our senior citizens have made.