"My plan makes it easier for taxpayers to take full advantage of the state's property-tax deferral option that is
already on the books," Simpson said. "Our parents and grandparents who are struggling to make ends meet shouldn't have
to choose between paying their gas bill or paying their property taxes."
Under the state's current property tax rules, a county board of commissioners can grant senior citizens and others
living on fixed incomes, such as disabled veterans and people with disabilities, a deferral of their winter property
taxes. To be eligible, a taxpayer must complete tax returns by February 15. Given that many of the required documents
are not issued until late January, taxpayers often have little time to gather all of the necessary paperwork and make an
appointment with a tax preparer.
Simpson's plan, House Bill 4257, would allow eligible taxpayers to present a copy of their previous year's Homestead
Property Tax claim, rather than requiring the current tax year's document. Taxpayers would also have to show proof that
they still reside at the same address. The deadline for submission would continue to be February 15.
"My constituents sent me to