Trustee Norma Knox outlines county and state property tax relief for seniors and disabled veterans

Norma Knox of the trustee’s office explained two state programs—property tax relief and property tax freeze—and outlined how Cannon County supplements state payments for qualifying seniors and disabled veterans.

Knox said the state’s income limit for property tax relief is $37,530 and noted that for disabled veterans the county does not count their income; “you have to be 100% disabled veteran to qualify for this program,” she said. The trustee explained the state provides $107 to qualifying recipients this year and the county contributes an additional $100, so an eligible recipient typically receives $207 off their property tax bill. Knox said disabled veterans could receive $574 from the state and that the county’s $100 match would make that $674 in total relief.

Knox estimated the county has roughly 280–300 people on the property tax relief program, with around 30 new applicants this year offset in part by deaths among existing recipients. She said the trustees are still reconciling records and that about 20 applications were pending additional documentation. Knox also said the county had considered a tax-freezing program in the past but chose instead to provide a cash supplement to qualifying residents.

Knox noted the application deadline of April 5 for this program and encouraged anyone who might qualify to apply.

What happens next: The trustee’s office will continue to process applications and provide the commission with updated counts; residents who think they qualify are advised to contact the trustee’s office before April 5.