Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]

What you should know about property tax deferment

by Teresa Merelman, Broker 12/25/2024

In real estate, a property tax deferment means a temporary delay in property tax payments for qualifying properties and homeowners. While there are other types of tax deferral options, property taxes come with their own set of rules and special terminology. Here are some key things to consider about property tax deferments:

How it works

Deferring your property taxes means putting off regular payments. While you don't have to pay your property taxes, a tax lien will be placed on the property and the unpaid amount will continue to gain interest. When the deferment period ends, the owed amount must be paid in full for the lien on the property to be removed.

How you qualify

Seniors and people with disabilities can often qualify for a property tax deferment from their local governments. As long as the qualified homeowner is using a property as a primary residence, they can defer taxes either until the end of their life or the sale of the property. Each state has different rules, so it's important to investigate what your individual opportunities might be for tax deferment.

Why it matters

Property taxes are a major expense for homeowners of any age, but can become a burden for those without regular income, either due to retirement or disability. Therefore, it can be beneficial to defer property taxes and lower regular expenses to preserve savings and income.

While the taxes must eventually be paid for the lien on the property to be removed, deferment can save qualified homeowners thousands of dollars. If you're interested in learning more about how tax deferment might apply to you, consider reaching out to a financial consultant or tax professional.

About the Author
Author

Teresa Merelman, Broker

 Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include: 

  • ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative (2003)
  • CBR - Certified Buyer Representative (2000)
  • e-PRO - Internet Certified Professional (2001)
  • CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist (2005)
  • CRS - Certified Residential Specialist (2005)
  • AHS - Accredited Home-Stager Specialist (2008)
  • TRC - Transaction Referral Certification (2009)
  • RSPS - Resort and Second Home Specialist (2009)
  • GREEN - NAR's Green Designation (2009) 
  • SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosures Certification (2009) 
  • SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (2012)
  • AHWD - At Home With Diversity (2021)
  • SRS - Seller Representative Specialist (2021)

Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:

  • Lamoille Area Board of Realtors - President and Board of Directors
  • Vermont Association of Realtors - Board of Directors
  • NEREN (MLS) - Board of Directors and Shareholder 
  • Vermont Real Estate Commission - as a member of VAR's Liaison Committee
  • Stowe Vibrancy - Board of Directors - this is a volunteer group that promotes activities in the Village of Stowe

In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.