NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A 93-year-old woman in danger of losing her home is getting the help she needs, but there are other seniors just like her who cannot afford to pay their property taxes.
NewsChannel 5 checked into some programs offered by the city to help.
It's Andrea Vaughn's job to help seniors, the disabled and veterans. She's one of six deputy tax accountants for the Nashville-Davidson County Trustees office.
"So right now, the tax season is over -- the deadline was April 6th, so now what we do during the summer is deal with what we call insufficient letters," said Vaughn.
Charlie Cardwell, Nashville-Davidson County Trustee, said the letters or applications are for the Property Tax Relief Program.
"What happens is they get a credit toward their taxes if they're 65 years of age and their income does not exceed $28,680," said Cardwell.
Then there's the tax freeze program. Cardwell said it's for seniors whose income is a little higher.
"It's a great program funded by the State of Tennessee," he said. "Every dollar that the state pays, the Metropolitan government pays $2."
In fact, a senior can save up to $745 towards their property taxes every year if they apply. Unfortunately thousands don't.
"We have 7500 people in Davidson County that are on the program, but I would think there's probably another 2500 that would qualify," said Cardwell.
Seniors like Aner Turner. Once she takes care of her unpaid property taxes on her home, Cardwell said she can apply and get the help she needs.
"It really makes a difference, especially the people on fixed income that have medications they have to buy and things like that," he said.
And Vaughn said making a difference in the lives of seniors is what her office wants to do.
"It makes you feel so good to see that you've helped them, and you're doing everything you can for them," she said.
If you or a family member are in need of assistance with your property taxes and qualify for help, call the trustee’s office at 615-862-6330.
And for those of you wondering if Ms. Aner Turner will get to keep her home, thanks to your help, her Go Fund Me account has exceeded the $4200 needed to pay the city in full.
