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THEMARICOPAMOD.COM / CIVIC

Over 67,000 people are using the Maricopa Title Alert, here's why it's important

For those without computers or smartphones a family member can sign up on their behalf.
PUBLISHED JUL 18, 2024
Seen here, Stephen Richer (right) and Eddie Cook. The Maricopa Title Alert provides a free monitoring service to give residents peace of mind.
Seen here, Stephen Richer (right) and Eddie Cook. The Maricopa Title Alert provides a free monitoring service to give residents peace of mind.

Phoenix, Arizona: The Maricopa Title Alert (MTA) has seen steady growth since it first began in June 2023. Now, the program is nearing 70,000 users -- with 67,410 current users already. Earlier in July, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer and Assessor Eddie Cook held a tele-townhall to discuss important topics related to property and answer live questions from residents. The session focused on the MTA and personal exemption opportunities.

The townhall began with Richer explaining his role in recording public documents related to real estate and managing voter registration and early voting. Cook clarified his position as the assessor responsible for valuing properties fairly and equitably, emphasizing that his office does not collect taxes but enables the treasurer to do so.

The primary goal is to prevent fraudulent activities by allowing users to quickly identify and address unauthorized recordings.
The primary goal is to prevent fraudulent activities by allowing users to quickly identify and address unauthorized recordings.

What is Maricopa Title Alert?

Richer described the Maricopa Title Alert as a free service designed to help residents monitor recordings involving their names, businesses, or trusts. This service functions like a Google search, alerting users via email or text message whenever a document with their provided keywords is recorded. The primary goal is to prevent fraudulent activities, such as forged notary signatures, by allowing users to quickly identify and address unauthorized recordings.

Cook discussed personal exemption programs aimed at reducing the taxable value of properties for qualifying individuals. These exemptions are available to widows and widowers, totally disabled individuals, and disabled veterans with honorable discharges. He also explained the application process, which involves submitting the 2024 personal exemption application along with proof of Arizona residency and relevant documentation, such as a death certificate or a certificate of disability from the Arizona Department of Revenue.

The tele-townhall also featured a Q&A session where residents could ask questions. Several key topics were addressed:

Non-Tech Savvy Residents: For those without computers or smartphones, Richer suggested having a family member sign up for Maricopa Title Alert on their behalf to receive notifications.

Mail-In Beneficiary Deeds: Residents can mail in beneficiary deeds, which must be notarized, to the Maricopa County Recorder's office without needing to visit in person.

Income Considerations for Personal Exemptions: Cook clarified that income reported on tax returns, including interest from savings accounts, is considered when determining eligibility for personal exemptions.

Handling the Loss of a Spouse: Residents who have lost a spouse can apply for a widow or widower exemption by submitting the spouse's death certificate between March 1 and September 1.

Title Fraud Concerns: Richer acknowledged the existence of title fraud and emphasized that Maricopa Title Alert provides a free monitoring service to give residents peace of mind. He encouraged reporting any suspicious activity to law enforcement and consulting legal counsel if necessary.

For more information, residents can visit the following websites or contact the respective offices:

Maricopa Title Alert: titlealert.maricopa.gov

Recorder's Office: recorder.maricopa.gov

Assessor's Office: mcassessor.maricopa.gov

Contact numbers:

Recorder's Office: 602-506-3535

Assessor's Office: 602-506-3406

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