Applications have reopened for qualifying citizens of Chattanooga to get help with paying their city water quality fees and city and state property taxes through various programs, according to a city of Chattanooga news release.
Seniors and individuals with disabilities in the community that are on fixed incomes may apply for relief through April 6, 2021.
Those who think they may qualify, or know someone who does, and want help with payments can call the city at 423-643-7274.
Appointments can also be arranged with someone who can assist through a partnership with the United Way of Greater Chattanooga. See a calendar of available appointment dates and locations at http://www.chattanooga.gov/finance/treasury-division/property-tax-freeze-and-relief-programs.
Here's a breakdown of the qualifications needed to get assistance:
FOR STATE TAX RELIEF:
Seniors
* Must be age 65 or older by Dec. 31, 2020.
* Must own and live in a home in the city of Chattanooga as a primary residence
* Must have total income for you, your spouse and all parties listed on property deed less than $30,700 for 2019 fiscal year.
Disabled homeowners
* Must have total or permanent disability rating from the Social Security Administration that occurred before 12/31/2020.
* Must own and live in a home in the city of Chattanooga as primary residence.
* Must have total income for you, your spouse and all parties listed on property deed less than $30,700 for 2019 fiscal year.
Disabled veteran homeowners
* Must have 100% total and permanent disability rating from a service-connected disability.
* Must not have been dishonorably discharged from any armed services.
Widow(er)s of a disabled veteran homeowner
* Tax relief will be extended to the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who, at the time of the disabled veteran's death, was eligible for disabled veterans' property tax relief.
FOR CITY TAX FREEZE:
* Must be age 65 or older by 12/31/2020
* Must own and live in a home in the city of Chattanooga as primary residence
* Must have total income for you, your spouse and all parties listed on property deed less than $40,730 for 2019 fiscal year.
FOR WATER QUALITY FEE RELIEF:
* If you qualify for the state tax relief or city tax freeze, you may also qualify for water quality fee relief through the United Way of Greater Chattanooga