Widows, widowers, disabled individuals or senior citizens, who are Navajo County property owners on fixed or limited incomes, may be qualified to receive a break on their property taxes.
Navajo County property owners requesting property tax exemptions or reductions have between January 2, 2014 and February 28, 2014, to apply for these benefits through the Navajo County Assessor’s Office. Individuals who may qualify include widows, widowers and disabled persons if they meet criteria that includes income and property value limitations. Non-profit organizations can also apply during this time period.
“We know we have neighbors in our communities for whom it’s a real struggle just to cover the necessities,” said Navajo County Assessor Cammy Darris. “It’s gratifying to be able to offer this opportunity to lighten the financial burden a bit.”
A property owner applying for the first time must appear in person to sign all the appropriate documents in front of an Assessor’s Office staff member.
“We want to make this process as accessible and convenient as possible, so in addition to staff members being available Monday through Friday at the Assessor’s Office in Holbrook, we will also have employees at several locations throughout the county during the enrollment period,” said Darris.
An applicant has several options to assure compliance with application submittal requirements:
1. Mail the form to the Assessor’s Office at PO Box 668, Holbrook, AZ 86025.
2. Bring the application to the Assessor’s Office at the Navajo County Complex in Holbrook, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3. Apply at the Show Low office, 550 N 9th Place in Show Low on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
4. Personnel from the Assessor’s Office will also be available at area senior centers on the following scheduled dates:
• Pinetop/Lakeside Senior Center, Wednesday, January 29, 9:30 a.m. to noon
• Winslow Senior Center, Tuesday, February 4, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Holbrook Senior Center, Wednesday, February 5, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Silver Creek Senior Center, Wednesday, February 12, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Rim Country Senior Center, Wednesday, February 12, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Show Low Senior Center, Wednesday, February 19, 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Those who have been previously approved for an exemption will have paperwork sent to their last known address. Renewing applicants have the option to sign in front of a notary or an Assessor’s Office staff member.
Eligible property owners over the age of 65 are encouraged to apply for the Senior Property Valuation Freeze during this time as well. There are several qualifying factors, and information on this program can be mailed or emailed upon request.
The Assessor’s staff is available to answer questions related to these benefits or application requirements by calling (928) 524-4085 during regular business hours or send email to: darlene.fraley@navajocountyaz.gov.