The deadline for filing for widow/widower’s personal property tax exemption was changed from Sept. 1 to March 1 of the current year.

Disabled residents are also eligible for this benefit.

To be eligible, the applicant must be a current Arizona resident and the deceased spouse must have been an Arizona resident at the time of death. Furthermore, the applicant’s annual income, excluding Social Security and veteran’s disability payments, must be less than $33,037 if there are no minor children in the home.

The widow/widower’s benefit exempts $40,470 of the assessed of the home with a corresponding reduction in property taxes.   For example, if the assessed value of the home is $100,000, the widow/widower’s exemption would reduce that to about $59,530 for tax purposes.

This is a permanent exemption as long as the eligibility requirements are met. Renewal is not required.

Residents who believe they qualify can contact the Personal Exemption team at 602-506-3591 or email PE.SVP@maricopa.gov.  They can also make an appointment with the assessor’s representative in Sun City Community Assistance Network office, 10195 W. Coggins Drive, Sun City or by calling 623-933-7530.

Editor’s Note: Mr. Duncan is Sun City Community Assistance Network board president.