In response to a recent letter from an Ocala resident discussing the impact of property taxes on senior citizens, several residents across Ocala wrote in to share their thoughts on the topic.
“There really should be something done for relief on property taxes for elderly citizens. Lots of elderly people live on fixed incomes and could be forced out of their homes with nowhere to go. This is not how once-productive citizens should be treated,” says Stirl Back, Ocala resident.
“I think it’s a great idea for senior citizens to be exempted from paying taxes on homes. I live on $768 a month, and social security is taking $80 a month because I had some help while I was going through cancer in 2018 and 2019. Now I have to pay it all back, yet kids in college can get a job and pay off student loans but they don’t have to pay a penny back. I think the senior citizens should get a break as well. It is time the elderly people are looked after. Let the children in the United States work and learn to pay your bills. I have lived in the United States for 70 years and have never owed a bill. I have worked for every penny I have,” says Ocala resident Patricia Murray.
“We seniors need to get our property taxes lowered. It’s getting harder and harder to come up with the money to pay them. I get homestead allowance, but it ain’t enough,” says Deborah Martin, Ocala resident.
“Growing up, I remember many friends and neighbors talking about moving to Florida and how beautiful it is and much less expensive to live – perfect for retirement. From what I see, Florida is turning down the path and following other states like New York. Tax them, and if they complain? Tax them some more. Historically, politicians care very little for us, even DeSantis. He has forgotten about Florida with ideas and dreams of a possible run for the presidency. He should have stopped many increases from going forward. By law, I had to begin paying taxes at 14 years old like many, many millions of others, and we have not stopped since. Now in our 60s and older, it would seem like they’ve milked us enough, but nope. Hit ’em harder,” says Ocala resident Dr. Mopar.
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