New homestead exemption affidavit to be mailed

Tax bills and personal property renditions will be mailed at the end of September with something new, an affidavit to claim ad valorem exemption. This new card will be mailed to citizens who are receiving a homestead exemption because of total disability or who are over 65 with income limitations.

Citizens now have the option to sign and mail the return instead of going to the courthouse to sign the exemption form. The Revenue Commissioner’s office is happy to offer this assistance to those who have difficulty stopping in. The card has a few questions to mark asking if the customer is totally and permanently disabled or over 65. For those that are not totally and permanently disabled, they are asked if they filed a tax return and if their combined federal taxable income was less than $12,000 (Check line 43 on form 1040 or line 27 on form 1040A) or if their combined state adjusted gross income was less than $12,000 (Check line 10 on form 1040 or line 7 on form 1040A).

Also a reminder, this year customers have the option to pay their taxes online at www.marengocountyal.com or use their credit/debit card in the office or by phone. The number is 334-295-2214. Of course, check, cash or money order is also still acceptable.

“It is our aim at the Revenue Commissioner’s office to meet the changing needs of the public. It is also our desire to keep the public informed of exemptions, etc. that can be beneficial to them,” Revenue Commissioner Sharon Barkley said. “We want to make the process of paying taxes as quick and pleasant as possible.”