GRAND JUNCTION, Colo (KKCO) The tax exemption is available to senior citizens, surviving spouses of previously qualified senior citizens, and disabled veterans. For those who qualify, 50% of the first $200,000 in actual value of their primary residence is exempted. The state of Colorado pays the exempted portion of the property tax. Once approved, the exemption remains in effect for future years.

"And that is money in their pocket; it's money that they can use and for whatever they need to use it; for food, for pills, for a trip, for whatever they want to use it for they can use it; it's their money to do with as they please," says Mesa County Assessor Barbara Brewer.

Once approved, the applicant doesn't need to reapply. The exemption is available to all Colorado residents who qualify. The application deadline is next Monday, July 16th, 2012.

The exemption is available to applicants who meet the following 3 requirements.
(1.) Are at least 65 years of age as of January 1, 2012.
(2.) Have owned their home for at least 10 years as of January 1, 2012.
(3.) Occupied it as their primary residence for at least 10 years as of January 1, 2012.

For more information, contact Mesa County Assessor Barbara Brewer at (970) 255-7140, or assessor@mesacounty.us.