Though HELPS brings relief from creditor harrassment, we want our seniors to be informed about other debt related issues. For many seniors who are facing debt struggles, property taxes may be one of the challenges. Several states, including Oregon, have tax abatement programs that give options for debt relief. There are certain qualifications, however, including age of filing and maximum income. Many of our HELPS clients can benefit by knowing about the property tax deferral program in their state.

For those who want to learn more about Oregon's Tax Deferral, the web site is:

http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/SCD/seniordef.shtml

For Washington State's Tax Deferral program, the web site is:

http://dor.wa.gov/docs/pubs/prop_tax/seniordefs.pdf

For California, the laws have been changed since 2009. However, since late 2011, it has been left to the individual county to determine their own policy toward property tax deferral. The web site that explains this is:

http://www.sco.ca.gov/ardtax_prop_tax_postponement.html

For Arizona’s Tax deferral Program:

http://www.co.yavapai.az.us/Content.aspx?id=19520

For Texas, here is the link for the  Senior & Disabled Tax Deferral

http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/50-126.pdf