Elderly who can't pay taxes losing homes

Kansas City Star/AP ^ | March 31, 2004 | Jennifer C. Yates

[Jason_b]

Please click the source url link.

[Jason_b]

The costs of socialism, fiat money, come out of the hides of the Elderly. You may have paid off your mortgage but you don't own your home if they can take it for non-payment of taxes. Property taxes might be ok in an environment of sound money in which a "fixed income" would go along with "fixed taxes." But inflation of an unbacked currency is what drives the property taxes up and beyond what this 79 year old could have predicted when she was in her working years. What a country.

[Jason_b]

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[Tax Government]

Well said.

The printing of fiat U.S. currency is the biggest crime of our era; both political parties are complicit.

[FITZ]

Especially when you look at what makes those property taxes escalate so drastically --- here it's free schooling for people from Mexico and free health care for them also.

[paulsy]

So why won't someone in congress take note of the problem, and right now (election year - though it might not be possible right now) propose legislation that, for people over 65, would freeze taxes at a certain level. With local property taxes, would this encroach on state rights? They could either do away with property taxes on seniors entirely, or "never beyond" a certain % of their income.

Or we could just repeal the 16th amendment.

[Wonder Warthog]

"So why won't someone in congress take note of the problem, and right now (election year - though it might not be possible right now) propose legislation that, for people over 65, would freeze taxes at a certain level."

Because the problem the article refers to is under STATE control rather than federal. It's not Congress's problem, and they have no Consitutional authority to address it. That said, I would support STATE legislation that exempts the primary residence from property taxes (state or local) when one of the owners reaches retirement age (65).

[jocon307]

They've done something like that on Long Island, I don't know the details but my mom-in-law is very happy about the changes they made to the law.

[7MMmag]

I have some misgivings about them...
but reverse mortgages would help in many cases.

[TheSpottedOwl]

These days, you don't "own" anything. How sad for these folks, and for the rest of us.

[NittanyLion]

I would support STATE legislation that exempts the primary residence from property taxes (state or local) when one of the owners reaches retirement age (65).

Sure - let those younger than 65 pick up the tab, right? The answer lies in ridding ourselves of property taxes period - not simply for a select group.

Considering the fact that I'm already paying healthcare and retirement for these folks, and will soon be paying for their prescription drugs, don't expect much in the way of sympathy from this corner.

[bvw]

Fiat money robs savings and the thrifty firstest and mostest.

[Glenn]

Considering the fact that I'm already paying healthcare and retirement for these folks, and will soon be paying for their prescription drugs, don't expect much in the way of sympathy from this corner.

I will assume you've derived no benefit from any money these people tossed over to their government.

[jolie560]

I have relatives in Westchester (NY) County. There is a reduced property tax for the elderly called the "STAR" Program. I believe that's what your relative is referring to.

[jocon307]

"the "STAR" Program."

Yes, that's it. I forgot it was the whole state.

[YaYa123]

This smacks to me of a reporter looking for a sob story.

[NittanyLion]

I realize my post sounds cold, but surely you see my point. Senior citizens (as a group, I understand individuals feel differently) happily endorse increasing my taxes to pay for their healthcare and retirement. Yet these same folks are quick to complain when their tax bill comes due.

I feel for them, but high taxes cause problems for people of all ages. The solution is to remove or lower taxes across the board - not some "directed tax cut".

[BigBobber]

Here in liberal Kalee-fornia we sovled this problem years ago with Prop 13. It contols the rate of property tax growth for ALL property owners. It never would have happened without the initiative process. Politicians will never solve this problems themselves.

[oldironsides]

My inlaws owned a place for 60+ years and when they died the taxes were $9000 per year and climbing. They helped pay to educate generations and the school district was so bad it was taken over by the state. Living in your home until you die should not mean you keep paying enormous sums for school administrators to waste. There has to be a line drawn for 85 yr. olds living in the home do not have the huge tax issues. Reverse mortgage is not an option.

[Hodar]

So, what do you propose? This is a State problem, not a Federal one.

Would you suggest that this elect group gets immunity from propety taxs? A select entitlement program, where age is the only qualifier? So, everyone younger suddenly finds themselves paying higher taxes, simply because they aren't 65?

Or, would you suggest that people act like adults, manage their finances and make decisions based upon facts; without demanding special favors at the expense of everyone else? If you house is too expensive to live in; either sell some property, or sell your house (no capital gains tax, thanks to Repubs) and buy a house you can afford.

Granted, the social give-away programs are responsible; but as inflation is below 3% (Since Reagan took office); leaving the Gold standard is completely immaterial. Among the problems the USA has, run-away inflation is not on the list.