public policy Montgomery County Roger Berliner Featured at GCAAR Speaker Series Montgomery County Council President Roger Berliner headlined GCAAR’s first Speaker Series of the year on February 8. In addition to his responsibilities as President, Berliner chairs the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committees, which tackle legislation of critical importance to REALTORS®. Montgomery Community Media covered the event. “GCAAR invited me here to share my thoughts on how our county can prosper going forward,” said Berliner. “I hope to assure them that we will, in fact, prosper going forward, and hopefully their business will do well and our county will do well.” GCAAR’s VP for Public Policy Ed Krauze introduced Berliner, saying, “the
L-R: MAR Past President Carole Maclure, GCAAR Board Member Koki Adasi, Roger Berliner, Public Policy Co-Chair Debbie Benkert, GCAAR Past President Greg Ford.
more conversation that is done out in the open, transparently, the better the discussion is.”
SENIOR
New Montgomery County Property Tax Credit for Seniors RESIDENTS The Montgomery County Council recently approved legislation to create a new property tax credit for seniors (65 years+) who have either 1) lived in the same home for 40+ years, or 2) are retired veterans of the US Armed Forces. The legislation’s intent is to alleviate some of the financial burdens that come with living on a fixed income.
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Eligible residents will receive a 20% credit for the property tax imposed on their homes, granted annually, for up to five years. To qualify for the credit, the maximum assessed value of the home is $650,000 for those who have lived in their homes for 40+ years, and
$500,000 for veterans. Specific requirements apply. For details visit: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ Finance/senior.html The bill goes into effect July 1, 2017. Those seeking the credit must apply by April 1 of the year in which the tax credit is sought. For 2017 only, the deadline was extended to September 1.
LEARN MORE AT: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Finance/senior.html