Over half the number of seniors in the Island have applied to be exempted from paying land tax.

Acting Tax Commissioner Deborah Blakeney yesterday said 3,717 seniors were registered as of November 17, but she was unable to guess how many others qualified.

The new law which exempts Bermudian seniors who own the unit they live in from paying any land tax, takes effect on New Year?s Day.

Mrs. Blakeney explained that those seniors who used to be entitled to only a partial exemption with ARV?s of up to $40,000 will be entitled to a full exemption under the new legislation.

To qualify for the exemption seniors must be:

Bermudian by birth or status;

65 years or older; and

owners of the unit they live in (including a lifetime lease or life interest) or hold a lease of three or more years.

Seniors who currently enjoy either a full or partial exemption from land tax and have recently reconfirmed their status with the Tax Commissioner?s office do not have to re-apply.

However, seniors who have not yet applied are urged to do so by visiting the Tax Commissioner?s office on the first floor of the Perry Building (next door to the Hamilton MarketPlace), Church Street, Hamilton or by telephoning 297-7537 or 297-7743.

According to the latest census figures there are 6,722 seniors in the Island, 3,018 of whom own their homes. There is also a sizeable number of seniors who fall under the legislation because they are part owners or have at least a three year lease on their homes ? but there are no census figures for this category.