“We’re proud of what
we’ve accomplished for
customer service, especially
for our seniors.”
BARRY WILLINGHAM
REVENUE COMMISSIONER
Motor vehicle and property tax staff
members attend in-person classes conducted
through the Alabama Department of Revenue
and Auburn University’s Government and
Economic Development Institute, and
Willingham regularly leads meetings with
staff to discuss tax law changes and customer
service expectations. The goal of all this
education is assure taxpayers that their
Revenue Commission is meeting its mission
of fair and equitable taxation.
Many owners don’t know, for example, that
when they turn age 65, they become eligible
for an additional discount (exemption) on
their primary residences. Willingham makes
sure to print reminders for this additional
homestead exemption on all tax bills, and
he discusses them in personal visits to the
senior centers, as well as on the Cullman
Revenue website. This is when fully-trained
staff can help older taxpayers with valuable
information and assistance.
All over-age 65 exemptions are income-
based, as owners never age out of paying
taxes. Revenue staff can explain the income
limits and how they apply to homestead taxes,
as well as the requirements to sign up for the
first time and how to renew the exemption
annually. Remember, the over-age 65 discount
applies to homestead property only, not
vacant property, second homes or businesses,
6 | SPRING 2020
so it’s important to engage Revenue staff for any
questions about this special homestead discount.
While taxes may seem confusing or even
intimidating, they don’t have to be. Cullman’s
Revenue Commissioner wants all aspects
of tax assessing and collecting across all
types of property to be accurate and easy to
understand. Through professional development
and creating a culture of helpfulness, the
Revenue Commission demonstrates care
and concern for all taxpayers and promotes
fairness throughout the tax process for all. By
combining the mission and guest excellence
philosophy of Cullman’s tax office, operations
are aligned for the best possible outcome for
taxpayers, allowing them to be confident in
their tax assessments.
For any questions, feel free to contact
the Cullman Revenue Commission at
(256) 775-4776. Visit the website at www.
cullmanrevenuecommissioner.com, or e-mail
them at [email protected].
CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE
Barry Willingham
served as a Celebrity
Waiter at a senior
event.