Homeowners pay more taxes than state requires

Jefferson County Assessor Sheri Blough wants homeowners to pay attention to their property tax bill that comes from the county treasurer?s office and paid to the treasurer?s office headed by Terri Kness.

Blough has sent the message through media previously ? residents living in the home they own can claim a Homestead tax credit.

On tax bills due in September for property taxes assessed for 2012, she has counted 377 homeowners who have not signed up for this credit.

?The Homestead credit is worth $197 this year in Fairfield and rural residents receive a credit of $134. If residents don?t come in to sign up for Homestead credit, they are paying $197 or $134 more annually in property taxes than is required,? said Blough.

The oversight of 377 home owners will bring an extra $74,200 in property taxes this year.

Once the money has been paid, it won?t be refunded. Signing a Homestead credit is only good toward the future, it cannot be used retroactively. The annual deadline is July 1.

Once signed up, the Homestead credit stays in place until property is transferred to a different owner. Homeowners do not need to sign up each year. New owners need to sign up.

?I send out a one-time reminder postcard to new owners or when a property transfers,? said Blough. ?It?s not required by law to send a reminder, but I do. I don?t send more than one.?

Blough said to check the tax bill below the middle of the page, under the Net Taxable Value heading; the third line reads Less Credits of Homestead ? and if the numbers are zeros, it means the taxpayer is not claiming a Homestead credit.

Blough invited anyone with questions to call her office at 472-2849 or visit the assessor?s office on the third floor of the Jefferson County Courthouse. An elevator is available on the entry level at the south door or up a half-flight of stairs through the north entrance. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.