Long Awaited Senior Tax Relief Coming January 1^st

I am happy to report that after many years of advocating for changes to our Senior Tax Relief program, the Board finally approved changes on December 7^th. The approved senior tax relief will raise the income and net worth eligibility limits for real estate tax relief beginning January 1, 2022 and adds a deferral option for others. In addition, it lets eligible residents exclude up to five acres of land that cannot be subdivided from the net worth calculation for homes. This relief is critically important for our older adults and disabled residents who have felt the most impact from the pandemic, record inflation, and the 45 percent increase in taxes over the last decade.

The approved tax relief changes will raise the maximum total asset limit from $340,000 to $400,000 and raise the gross household income limit from $72,000 to $90,000. These have not been adjusted since 2006 despite my several attempts to have them raised. In addition to raising income and net worth eligibility limits, the proposed relief will also add a 75 percent income eligibility bracket, cap total taxes relieved at 125 percent of the mean assessed value of Fairfax County homes and create a tax deferral option for seniors and people with disabilities, all beginning January 1, 2023. It also raises the acreage exemption from 1 acre to 5 acres, which I strongly supported. This acreage exemption will help many seniors in Springfield District who have more than one acre of land that is ineligible for relief, even though by all other accounts they are eligible. As Chairman of the Older Adults committee, I’ve always set a high importance on the ability of our older adults to age in place, in their homes. This amendment will ease some of the tax burden that pushes our increasing older adult population out of their homes and/or out of the area as their tax bills in some cases now exceed what their initial mortgages were. I continue to remind my colleagues on the Board that we could further address living affordability if we reign in County spending.

Thank you to all of you who sent in written testimony and came to testify at the public hearing. Like many of you, I’m very glad to see this pass but recognize we still have work to do to make Fairfax County more affordable for older adults and all our residents. If you have further feedback on senior tax relief or suggested changes, please share them with me by emailing springfieldbos@fairfaxcounty.gov or call my office at 703-451-8873. For more information on tax relief for seniors and people with disabilities, see here.

Alpine-X Takes Another Step Forward - At our December meeting, the Board voted to adopt a second interim agreement with Alpine-X for the proposal to develop an indoor downhill ski slope on the I-95 landfill. I’m glad to see this very exciting sports tourism opportunity moving forward.

I’m happy to see this project moving forward and I will keep you updated on its progress. In the meantime, check out this Reuters article featuring the tremendous benefit this facility could have for snow sports, not just for Fairfax County residents but nationally as well.

If you want to learn more about Alpine-X, you can visit their website here. 

Reminder that the Plastic Bag Tax goes into effect January 1st. I opposed this tax for many reasons including that it was implemented during a pandemic while many residents are still struggling, there are shortages for alternatives like paper bags, and the real environmental problem is litter not plastic bags. If you notice a new tax charge on your grocery receipts in the new year - this is why. Details here.

 In a unique collaboration with public health, all Fairfax County Public Library branches are distribution sites for free COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test kits as part of a pilot program.

BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Card Home Test kits will be available at each of Fairfax County Public Library’s 13 open community branches and 8 regional branches. The initial quantity ran out quickly – please call ahead to be sure they have kits available and text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates on when stock is replenished.

Quantities are limited. Neither proof of residency nor a library card is required, and the kits are free of charge.

The test should be taken at home, not in a library branch (however, most branches provide a strong Wi-Fi signal in parking lots). If someone is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, please request kits via the library’s contactless curbside pickup service.

Making online purchases to buy gifts this holiday season? Make sure you stay safe online by following best practices to avoid identity or credit theft from the National Cybersecurity Alliance.

Please remember to stay safe through this holiday season and through the New Year. If you need to access a ride this weekend, please take advantage of The Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s Sober Ride Program.