Widowed mom moving in - property tax implications

[FrugalSaver]

She's over the age of 65.  Obviously people over 65 pay less property taxes. 

Does she have to be on the title for me to receive the property tax discount?

[Tuskalusa]

Intuitively, I would think that she would need to have ownership in your property to receive any kind of reduced property tax.

I’d recommend that you visit your county tax assessor’s office. I did this when my dad passed away and we had questions about my parents’ property taxes. I was so impressed with how they helped me and answered my questions. Every county is different, but I’m hoping yours is there to help you navigate these waters.

I’m sorry for your family’s loss.

[Cranky]

It's not obvious that people over 65 pay less property tax, either. That's subject to local tax ordinances. In my town you have to be over 65 AND pretty low income to receive an abatement.

[Bucksandreds]

In my county its 5% off your property tax bill if you are the owner and over 65. I don't think potentially committing fraud to save in the low hundreds $ per year is worth worrying about.

[FrugalSaver]

In my county its 5% off your property tax bill if you are the owner and over 65. I don't think potentially committing fraud to save in the low hundreds $ per year is worth worrying about.

Who’s committing fraud? Wow

Anyway

[Hotstreak]

Property taxes are billed to the owner, not the occupant.  Call your local govt and ask though, since these programs will vary between jurisdictions.

[Sibley]

In my county its 5% off your property tax bill if you are the owner and over 65. I don't think potentially committing fraud to save in the low hundreds $ per year is worth worrying about.

Who’s committing fraud? Wow

Anyway

FrugalSaver, depending on the local laws, what you're thinking of would 100% be fraud. So please don't get offended that someone pointed that out, because in SOME AREAS, you absolutely are in the wrong. Now, I don't know where you are and I don't know what the local rules are, this might be fine. Or it might not. So you need to do some research and go talk to the local assessor/tax collector's office.

Also keep in mind that transferring partial ownership of your home to your mother could have significant consequences, not all of them good. I wouldn't do it just to save a bit of money on property taxes.

[kendallf]

Also keep in mind that transferring partial ownership of your home to your mother could have significant consequences, not all of them good. I wouldn't do it just to save a bit of money on property taxes.

To this point, if you put your mother on your house deed and she ends up with large medical bills or needs Medicaid coverage for long term care, your house would now be in creditors' sights.  Most states have exemptions for a primary residence, but if she went into long term care, for instance, her share of the house might count toward assets that must be spent down. 

[Bucksandreds]

In my county its 5% off your property tax bill if you are the owner and over 65. I don't think potentially committing fraud to save in the low hundreds $ per year is worth worrying about.

Who’s committing fraud? Wow

Anyway

You, potentially.

Anyway.

[Proud Foot]

This right here

Also keep in mind that transferring partial ownership of your home to your mother could have significant consequences, not all of them good. I wouldn't do it just to save a bit of money on property taxes.

The potential for significant negative consequences far outweighs the benefit of saving a few dollars on your property taxes.