The idea of capping property taxes for seniors is not fair, (“Readers respond: Cap Portland property tax for seniors,” Oct. 6). Limiting taxes simply because of age is discriminatory. Further, as a group, seniors are wealthier and have more assets and income than any other generation of Oregonians. If we have money to provide property tax relief, it should be for all low-income Portland homeowners, rather than for seniors regardless of income.
But there is an outstanding state program for those seniors 62+ who are income- and asset-constrained. If accepted into the program, these seniors can postpone paying their property taxes until their home is transferred to someone else through a sale or through the owner’s death. It functions as a loan from the state to the homeowner, which is repaid when the home is sold or transferred.
Because the Oregon Department of Revenue pays the owner’s county property taxes each November, the county, city and other jurisdictions still receive the money they need to serve all citizens…