Residential Property Tax Relief Programs

[X] The property taxes and interest that are not collected may not exceed the value of the property upon which the taxes are imposed. Qualification for this program makes one ineligible for the Property and Sales Tax Refund program.

[X] Effective October 9, 2015, the combined disposable incomes for claimants in 2016 and subsequent collection years are increased by $5,000. This was enacted in 2015 Wash. 3rd Sp. Sess. Laws ch. 30 § 2 (SSB 5186). Regular property tax is the property tax levied by or for a taxing district which is subject to the aggregate tax limitations.

[X] For the purposes of this exemption, income does not include survivor or disability benefits under the Social Security Act. It also does not include public or private retirement, disability, or pensions.

[X] To receive this tax credit, taxpayers must have paid in full their property tax bill at the end of the tax year for which the credit was reported.

[X] The maximum credit is the amount provided as a homeowner's credit for the lowest household income bracket under Utah Code § 59-2-1107. If taxes are deferred, they accumulate interest at a rate of the lesser of 6% or the target federal funds rate that exists on January 1 of the current year.

[X] Effective for fiscal year 2015-2016, appropriations were available. Applications have to be submitted by 31 October 2016. No payments may be made after 15 September 2017. The Program remains repealed. Effective 1 July 2011, the senior tax assistance/rent rebate program (STARR program) was repealed in §10 of SB423. No substitute program was introduced. Therefore, no rebate will be paid in 2011.

[X] Property held in trust, other than an Illinois land trust with the taxpayer identified as the sole beneficiary, is ineligible for this program when filing for the first time. Deferral amount is capped at $5,000 per taxpayer per year.

[X] Reinstated this program, effective for 2016. The reinstated program's income eligibility is lower than before the program was suspended in 2011. Additionally, the required equity in the home increased from 20 percent to 40 percent. Also if the owner refinances or enters into a reverse home mortgage, the postponed taxes are due immediately. Household income is the total income received by all persons (except minors, full-time students, and renters) who resided in the home during the year for which deferral is requested. Eligible homeowners can participate in both the Homeowner Assistance Program and the Property Tax Postponement Programs.

[X] Deferrals may be extended in the event the claimant dies. Extensions cannot exceed 5 years, and interest will continue to accrue.

[X] The homeowner must have legal title or beneficial title in equity of the property, and they also must make a good faith effort to make the property their permanent residence. The homestead exemption does not extend to residents claiming permanent residence in other states. A homestead damaged by misfortune or calamity that is uninhabitable on 1 January may qualify for the exemption if (a) the homeowner is otherwise qualified for a homestead exemption and (b) the homeowner intends to rebuild or repair the property within 3 years. Failure to rebuild or repair within 3 years constitute an abandonment of the property as a homestead. Exemptions shall be applied as follows: $25,000 homestead exemption; $50,000 homestead exemption (if applicable); exemptions for widows/widowers, blind, and disabled persons; disabled ex-servicemembers and surviving spouses; local-option low-income senior exemption up to $50,000; and the veterans percentage discount.

[X] This program is subject to annual appropriation. “Totally disabled” means a person 18 years of age or older whose physical or mental condition permanently prevents the person from performing any substantial gainful employment during the 1 year period immediately preceding the date of application for a refund. In determining assets, the following property is exempt: (1) The structure and lands occupied as the applicant's primary residence; (2) household furnishings and personal belongings; and (3) one personal motor vehicle per adult in the household; (4) assets held under a bona fide pension plan or individual retirement account (IRA); (5) the cash value of any life insurance policies held.

[X] Loans will bear an interest at a rate equal to the prime lending rate at the time the rate is set plus 1%, as reported by the federal reserve board in federal reserve statistical release H. 15. Any previous loans under this program and loans under the housing rehabilitation loan program, also administered by WHEDA, are excluded from this limitation.

[X] Income eligibility limits shall increase annually by the maximum Social Security benefit cost of living increase. The director shall adopt new income limits annually by notice or regulation. Total income includes Social Security benefit and other retirement income. This is called the 2014 Reimbursement.

[X] As of 20 November 2014, the following counties allow in intercounty transfers: Alameda, El Dorado, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Ventura. All California counties allow intracounty transfers.

[X] For the purposes of this benefit income is defined as Missouri adjusted income and increased to reflect the following: social security and railroad retirement; veteran payments and benefits unless the claimant or spouse is a 100% disabled as a result of military service; all other public and private pensions and annuities; public relief, public assistance, and unemployment benefits received; SSI, TANF and/or child support payments received; non-business losses; wages, dividends, and interest; and rental income. “Disabled” is defined as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months. A claimant shall not be required to be gainfully employed prior to such disability to qualify for a property tax credit. A claimant shall not be allowed a property tax credit if the claimant filed a valid claim for a credit Homestead Preservation tax credit in the year following the year for which the property tax credit is claimed.

[X] The property shall be immediately revalued at fair market value by the assessor and placed on the assessment rolls in the year it was sold. Any owner entitled to the special assessment who is unable to occupy the homestead due to damage or destruction caused by a disaster or emergency declared by the governor shall be entitled to keep the special assessment level prior to its damage or destruction on the repaired or rebuilt homestead provided the repaired or rebuilt homestead is reoccupied by the owner within 5 years following the disaster. If the property owner receives a homestead exemption on another homestead during the same 5 year period, the damaged or destroyed property shall not be entitled to keep the special assessment level, and the land and buildings shall be assessed in that year at the percentage of fair market value. In addition, the owner must also maintain the homestead exemption to qualify for the special assessment level. Effective 1 January 2011, under certain conditions extensions of up to2 additional years to the "return and reoccupy" provision may be granted and up to 3 one-year extension, after that. Those who qualify due to age criteria are not required to reapply annually. All others must have income verified annually.

[X] If the market value on the property increases as a result of improvements, the tax level to be paid will increase proportionally. As of July 14, 2015, This program has been adopted by 23 counties and 29 cities.

[X] The individual may not own or have any legal, equitable, beneficial or security interest in any other residence or other real property, wherever it may be located, except indirectly through an investment security, such as a mutual fund, that includes real property among its assets. Applicants must reapply each year. A claim for deferral may be filed with the Assessor’s office after 1 January, but before 1 April of the tax year for which the deferral is claimed. Failure to apply means that homeowner will not be eligible for tax deferral for that year. Failure to apply does not mean that taxes deferred in previous year must be paid. Deferred taxes and accrued interest are a lien against the property. The lien attaches on the date the certificate of deferral is recorded and has priority over any mortgage, reverse mortgage, deed of trust or other real property security interest that is recorded before the certificate of deferral is recorded and any lien attaching after the certificate of deferral is recorded.

[X] Effective 1 January 2016, for tax years after 2015, relief is equal to the amount of assumed property taxes that exceed a percentage of income. For the 1st $4,000 of income, tax relief is 100%. For the next $4,000 relief is taxes in excess of 2.5% of income; 5.5% for all income above $8,000. Total relief cannot exceed $1,000. Property taxes are assumed to be 15% of rent The income eligibility limits were higher for the following income, which is defined as combined gross household income before deductions. This includes income from all sources, whether or not taxable for federal and state income tax purposes. It also includes Social Security as well as all other retirement benefits. tax year. .

[X] With the exception of a service-connected totally disabled veteran of the United States Armed Forces, every person filing for the homestead exemption who is totally disabled and is less than 65 years of age must apply for the homestead exemption on an annual basis. The maximum exemption is adjusted every 2 years by the cost of living index of the United States Department of Labor if it changes by at least 1%.

[X] Eligible homeowners may select either Homestead Exclusion or Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment program. An otherwise qualifying owner does not lose the benefit of this exclusion because of a temporary absence from his or her permanent residence for reasons of health, or because of an extended absence while confined to a rest home or nursing home, so long as the residence is unoccupied or occupied by the owner's spouse or other dependent.

[X] All deferred taxes and interest are payable if: the taxpayer dies, or someone other than the taxpayer becomes the property’s owner, or the property is no longer occupied as the taxpayer’s primary residence, or the property is moved out of the State. In the latter-most case, all owed monies are due 5 days before moving. In all other instances, all owed monies are due within 45 days of the date of notice for payment. A municipality that has adopted the program under this section may discontinue it through the same procedure by which the program was adopted; however, any taxes deferred under the program continue to be deferred under the conditions of the program on the date it was ended.

[X] The state’s lien on the home is due and payable when the property is sold or transferred, except to a spouse, surviving spouse over age 60, or minor heir.

[X] Property owned jointly by a husband and wife and property owned in fee simple by either spouse is eligible for this exemption in full, as long as either spouse fulfills the age or disability requirement. For all other jointly owned property, the amount of the exemption is determined on the basis of each owner's qualifications and pro rata share of the property.

[X] Rent is exclusive of any federal rent subsidy and of charges for any utilities, services, furniture, furnishings, or personal property appliances furnished by the landlord. Mobile homes are also eligible for the benefit.

[X] At the time of payment, a lien will be recorded against the property in favor of the State of Michigan. The lien will be subject to interest at one-half of 1% (.05) per month or fraction of a month (6% per year), when repaid to the State. The lien will be removed when the deferment, plus interest, is repaid by the taxpayer or the taxpayer's estate.

[X] Income levels are adjusted annually by the gross domestic product price deflator computed for the 2nd quarter of the calendar year by the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the United States Department of Commerce. Totally disabled means the inability to engage in any substantial gainful employment by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or is reasonably expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. A person who is eligible to file a claim for credit for property taxes due with a household income in the lowest bracket who has an unpaid special assessment levied against the homestead may file a claim for a special assessment credit with the county treasurer. The claim filed by the claimant constitutes a claim for credit of an amount equal to the actual amount due upon the unpaid special assessment, plus interest, payable during the fiscal year for which the claim is filed against the homestead of the claimant.

[X] Applications must be filed yearly with the local assessors. In calculating personal estate values, cemetery plots, wearing apparel, and household furniture and effects are excluded.

[X] Local governments have a broad range of options available in designing a relief program. As a result, no two programs are identical. Prior to adopting such a program, a committee of no less than five residents shall study the fiscal effects of such relief on the municipality property tax revenue and make recommendations as to the form and extent of the program. Such a plan may be amended by the legislative body upon recommendation by its board of finance without additional study undertaken initially.

[X] Program has only been approved in Rapid City No person who receives a property tax refund or a retail sales and service tax refund or a real property tax assessment freeze may be denied a property tax reduction under this chapter because of such refund or freeze.

[X] At the time of payment, a lien will be recorded against the property in favor of the State of Michigan. The lien will be subject to interest at one-half of 1% (.05) per month or fraction of a month (6% per year), when repaid to the State. The lien will be removed when the deferment, plus interest, is repaid by the taxpayer or the taxpayer's estate.

[X] This program works in conjunction with the Property Tax Exemption Program for Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons. You should also enroll in the Exemption Program administered by your county assessor. This will provide you the maximum amount of assistance. Apply for assistance 30 days before taxes are due. Mobile home may qualify even if the applicant does not own the land. However, this program does not apply if ownership is through a life estate, lease for life, revocable trust, or shared ownership in a cooperative housing unit.

[X] Effective 1 June 2016 and for taxable years beginning after 30 June 2016, local government may provide this credit.

[X] Effective 1 July 2017, the benefit increased to the first $27,000 of a property's market value. Also established the annual increases by inflation. Enacted by 2017 Tenn. Pub Act ch 181 § 31, 32. Apply for the benefit when you receive the 2017 tax bill. There is some variation among counties and cities with application, but it is generally between October and April.

[X] Income levels are adjusted annually by the gross domestic product price deflator computed for the second quarter of the calendar year by the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the United States Department of Commerce. Totally disabled means the inability to engage in any substantial gainful employment by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or is reasonably expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. A person who is eligible to file a claim for credit for property taxes due with a household income in the lowest bracket who has an unpaid special assessment levied against the homestead may file a claim for a special assessment credit with the county treasurer. The claim filed by the claimant constitutes a claim for credit of an amount equal to the actual amount due upon the unpaid special assessment, plus interest, payable during the fiscal year for which the claim is filed against the homestead of the claimant.

[X] Beginning with the assessment rolls used to levy school taxes for the 2016-2017 school year, the STAR program is converted from an exemption benefit program to an income tax credit program. The exemption program is closed to new applicants. All new applicants receive an income tax credit of the same value rather than a reduction on their school tax bill. For the Basic STAR, in counties where the median home value is higher than the statewide median home value, the exemption or credit is increased proportionally so that homeowners in these areas will realize equivalent tax relief. Effective 10 April 2017, the assessor shall forward to the commissioner a statement on the taxable assessed value attributable to each tenant (no regard to the exemption) and other information that the commissioner deems necessary to calculate the STAR credit, in a timely manner and manners prescribed by the commissioner. This statutory change is in accordance with the 2017 N.Y. Laws ch. 59 (AB 3009). Residents of NYC are not eligible for STAR relief, but instead a flat rate benefit, unrelated to property tax is available.

[X] Taxpayers must calculate the credit authorized in this section prior to calculating the refundable credit for taxes in excess of 4% of household income. The Senior Citizen Tax Credit and Homestead Excess Property Tax Credit are available to low-income taxpayers. Some taxpayers may qualify for both. A return must be filed in order to receive either of these refundable credits even if you are not required to file a federal return. If you recently received a WV/SCTC-1 in the mail from the West Virginia State Tax Department for the Homestead Exemption program administered at the county level, you may be entitled to claim a refundable state income tax credit.

[X] With limited exception, recipients of this benefit are not eligible for any other benefits specified under Chapter 59 §5. In calculating gross receipts, business expenses and losses may be deducted. There is also a deduction for income received from federal, state, and local government annuities, pensions, and retirement plans. In calculating the value of a whole estate, an applicant may elect to include the value of property occupied as a domicile in which case the maximum eligibility threshold is $40,000 for an individual or $45,000 for a married couple. The benefit will be prorated if the applicant owns the residence with someone other than their spouse by the percentage of the applicant's ownership interest in the property.

[X] The state levy was phased out between and 2011 and 2016, however the statute for the senior state homestead exemption remains unchanged.

[X] The total household income limit will be adjusted for inflation annually using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, Washington–Baltimore Area, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor. The benefit is distributed in two installment. If the applicant files between April 1st and September 30th, they will only get 50% of the benefit for the year the benefits are applied for.

[X] Must file the permanent application by March 1st. When the owner of a property subject to a tax deferral dies, the heirs, heirs-at-law, assignee or devisee shall have first priority to redeem the estate by paying in full the deferred taxes plus any interest due. If the heirs, heirs-at-law, assignees, or devisees do not redeem the property within 9 months of the date of death of the property owner, the municipality may commit the accrued amount of the deferral to the collector of taxes with a warrant signed by the assessing officials requiring him or her to collect it. When the owner of a property subject to a tax deferral sells or otherwise conveys the property, the owner or grantee shall pay in full the deferred taxes plus any interest due and the municipality shall provide recorded written release or satisfaction of the notice of tax deferral.

[X] Deferrals may be extended in the event the claimant dies. Extensions cannot exceed 5 years, and interest will continue to accrue.

[X] With the exception of a service-connected totally disabled veteran of the United States Armed Forces, every person filing for the homestead exemption who is totally disabled and is less than 65 years of age must apply for the homestead exemption on an annual basis. The maximum exemption is adjusted every 2 years by the cost of living index of the United States Department of Labor if it changes by at least 1%.