Over the last few years, property values in Alexandria City, and indeed throughout Northern Virginia have skyrocketed.  Along with rising home values come higher property taxes.  To people with a fixed-rate mortgage, these tax increases are the only real variable in their monthly payment.  It is even more difficult for older residents on fixed income, who may have owned their home a long time and have only the taxes to pay.  I know of some people who are now paying more in property taxes than they ever paid on their mortgage.

In an effort to lighten the load a bit, the City of Alexandria has just announced their Affordable Homeownership Preservation Grant Program for Tax Year 2007. 

This tax relief is not automatic.  Alexandria homeowners must apply by the September 4, 2007 deadline by requesting an application by mail, phone, e-mail, or on the Taxpayer Services website. 

Here in brief, are the general guidelines:

• total gross household income must be below $100,000 for 2006
• total household assets (excluding home, vehicles, retirement plans) must be less than $50,000 on 12/31/06
• 2007 assessed value of property must be less than $527,000
• must occupy property as sole residence as of 1/1/07 and throughout 2007
• homeowners receiving benefits from Real Estate Tax Relief Program for the Elderly or Totally Disabled are not eligible.

Depending upon the household size and household income, qualified applicants can receive a grant of tax relief from the City of Alexandria of between $200 and $1200.  

For more information, contact the Alexandria City Taxpayer Services Branch at 703-838-4572.