Residential Property Tax Relief Programs

[X] Application forms are available at a parish assessor's office. 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 to two additional years to the "return and reoccupy" provision may be granted and up to 3 one-year extensions after that.

[X] If you believe you qualify for this exemption, apply as soon as possible even if you have not received the necessary documentation from the VA. When local assessors receive required documentation, this exemption can be granted as of the date of your original application, and the excess taxes can be refunded for up to 4 years. Any real estate that is owned and used as a homestead by the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty as a member of the United States Armed Forces and for whom a letter from the United States Government or United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor has been issued certifying that the veteran died from service-connected causes while on active duty is exempt from taxation if the veteran was a permanent resident of this state on January 1 of the year in which the veteran died. Additional required forms include: A copy of your most current rating decision from the VA, including evidence that your disability is combat related. A copy of your DD-214.

[X] Applicants must be residents of the state

[X] An owner who receives this benefit may not receive other property tax relief. An otherwise qualifying owner does not lose the benefit because of a temporary absence from their residence for medical reasons or if the qualified owner is confined to a rest home or nursing home. During this period, the residence must be unoccupied or occupied by the owner's spouse or other dependent. If the owner is not eligible for a continued deferral for a tax year, the deferred taxes are carried forward. If the owner transfers the property, dies, or ceases to use the property as a permanent residence, the last three years of deferred taxes prior to a disqualifying even will become due and payable with interest on the date of the disqualifying event. To receive the benefit, an application must be submitted by June 1st of the year preceding the year that the benefit is claimed. The application must be filed every year.

[X] Effective 01 January 2018, Eligible seniors and disabled applicants will now receive an assessment freeze in addition to the homestead exemption. The freeze offers an additional exemption in the full amount that the most current assessed value is greater than the assessed value on 1 January 2018 or January 1 of the year in which the senior first became eligible for the benefit. Recipients of this benefit are also exempted from the forest acreage tax. 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] .

[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] An owner who receives this benefit may not receive other property tax relief. An otherwise qualifying owner does not lose the benefit because of a temporary absence from their residence for medical reasons or if the qualified owner is confined to a rest home or nursing home. During this period, the residence must be unoccupied or occupied by the owner's spouse or other dependent. To receive the benefit, an application must be submitted by June 1st of the year preceding the year that the benefit is claimed.

[X] With respect to the county exemption, if homesteads are situated in more than one county, the exemption will be prorated between the counties in the proportion that the area of the homestead in each county bears to the total are of the homestead claimed for exemption. No county exemption granted can prevent the payment of any bonded indebtedness secured by any tax to which the homestead exemption would apply. Income is defined as the Adjusted Gross Income that is calculated on the federal income tax. If married, income is the sum of the adjusted gross incomes of the applicant and their spouse.

[X] Effective 9 September 2019, the maximum benefit has been increased to $1,000 or 100 times the state minimum wage, whichever is greater. Previously, the maximum benefit was $750. This was enacted in 2019 Me. Laws ch. 36 (LD 62). Under the volunteer program, any benefits received are not considered income.

[X] The rate of interest for Prince George's County cannot exceed 4%, all other counties continue to have a rate of interest to be paid on the county property tax payment from the due date without a deferral until the date that the county property tax is paid.

[X] The application must be filed with the local assessor by September 1 and must be reapply every 3 years. According to the Treasurer's 2019 annual report, funds available for 2020 are significantly less than what was distributed in 2019.

[X] If you believe you qualify for this exemption, apply as soon as possible even if you have not received the necessary documentation from the VA. When local assessors receive required documentation, this exemption can be granted as of the date of your original application, and the excess taxes can be refunded for up to 4 years. Any real estate that is owned and used as a homestead by the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty as a member of the United States Armed Forces and for whom a letter from the United States Government or United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor has been issued certifying that the veteran died from service-connected causes while on active duty is exempt from taxation if the veteran was a permanent resident of this state on January 1 of the year in which the veteran died. Additional required forms include: A copy of your most current rating decision from the VA, including evidence that your disability is combat related. A copy of your DD-214.

[X] For the tax years 2017 and 2018, this property tax credit shall be allowed only for a Connecticut resident who is 65 years of age or older before the close of the applicable taxable year, or who claims one or more dependents for the federal income tax for the applicable taxable year. "Income" is income from all sources including but not limited to wages, pensions and disability benefits. Social security benefit adjustments, military retirement benefits, sale of local and state bonds among others are not counted as income.

[X] The income thresholds for the program refer to the applicant's federal adjusted gross income and that of all other individuals residing in the residence. This program may be used in lieu of, not in addition to, any other homestead exemption for county tax purposes. The exemption does not apply to any municipal taxes or county school district taxes. An initial application must be filed with the county tax commissioner. The exemption shall be automatically renewed from year to year as long as the owner occupies the residence as a homestead. Any person granted this exemption must notify the tax commissioner in the event the person is no longer eligible for the exemption.

[X] A renewal application is required at least once every six years. After your initial application and approval, you will be notified by your county assessor when it is time to submit a renewal application. You may be eligible for a refund if you paid prior years’ taxes because of a mistake, oversight, or a lack of knowledge about this program. You must meet all of the qualifications for the exemption as if you had applied at the time the application was due. Separate applications must be submitted for each of the tax years. In order to receive a refund, applications must be filed within three years of the date the taxes were due. Refunds will not be made beyond the three years. The exempt status may be transferred to a new residence with the value of the new residence frozen as of 1 January of the year of change. If the resident moves to Washington from another state, the exemption may be transferred to the new residence if owner meets all other eligibility requirements and provides proof of the prior exemption and its cancellation date.

[X] Effective 1 July 2019, manufactured homes, whether affixed or un-affixed, are eligible for this program and 1% of the appropriated funds will be available for these properties. Floating home and house boats continue to not qualify for the program. These changes were set out in SB 1130. Annual application must be submitted after 1 October for the current tax year. Limited funds are available and approval is on a first-come, first served basis. For 2018, they can be filed between 1 October 2018 and 10 February 2019. For 2019, they can be filed between 1 October 2018 and 10 February 2020. Generally the forms become available in September of each year and the applications may be submitted between 1 October of that year and 10 February in the subsequent year. The interest rate on the postponed taxes is 7% per year and the postponed taxes create a lien on the property. Payment for postponed taxes may be made any time for either a portion or the full amount deferred. However, they must be repaid when the owner moves or sells the property. In addition the taxes are due if future taxes become delinquent or the owner refinances or obtains a reverse mortgage. 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. Income is the Adjusted Gross Income on the applicant's federal tax form. Income also includes: •California State Lottery winnings in excess of $600; 100% of lottery winnings from other states • Veterans Administration benefits • Military compensation • Life insurance proceeds to the extent that they exceed the expenses incurred for the last illness and funeral of the deceased spouse or registered domestic partner of the claimant • Gifts and inheritances in excess of $300, except between members of the household • Alimony received • Amounts received from an estate or a trust • Unemployment insurance benefits • Workers’ compensation payments for temporary disability • Amounts contributed by or on behalf of the claimant to a tax-sheltered retirement or deferred compensation plan • Amounts received from an employer or any government body for loss of wages due to sickness or accident (sick leave payments) • Nontaxable gain from the sale of a residence • Scholarship and fellowship grants • The amount of the alternative minimum taxable income in excess of your regular taxable income, if you were required to pay the alternative maximum tax on your 2016 California income tax return Items not deductible from income: -Mortgage payments -Interest paid on loans -Utilities -Medical bills -Health premiums -Itemized deductions on form 1040

[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 in the odd-numbered year by the cost of living index of the United States Department of Labor if it changes by at least 1%.

[X] Teton County is the only county that has adopted this program. An alternative qualification is if the owner demonstrates that gross monthly household income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level for a household of 4 as adjusted annually by the comparative cost-of-living index for the respective county as determined by the division of economic analysis, department of administration and information.

[X] Property is revalued to full market value upon the sale or transfer of the property. If the owner is no longer eligible because income exceeds the HUD limit, the value of the property is then subject to the 3% cap increase for that year. Passage of ballot measure in the November 2012 election reduced the homestead growth limit to 3%. See tax limits for full description of limit.

[X] The taxpayer can select either this tax credit or the credit provided for Homestead Property, but not both.

[X] If the market value on the property increases as a result of improvements, the tax level to be paid will increase proportionally.

[X] The property may not be sold or transferred unless the taxes have been paid with interest. When the property owner dies, legal heirs have first priority to said property provided that they pay in full all back taxes and interest. If the heir is a surviving spouse, the spouse may enter into a tax deferral and recovery agreement with the board of assessors. At the time of the owner's death or the sale or transfer of the property, the interest rate on the balance of taxes due increases to 16%.

[X] If the applicant has already paid their taxes upon establishing eligibility, overpaid taxes shall be refunded. To qualify for a 2019 Permanent Fund Dividend applicant must be a resident of Alaska during all of calendar year 2018; intend to remain an Alaska resident indefinitely; not claim residency in any other state or country or obtained a benefit as a result of a claim of residency in another state or country at any time since December 31, 2018 In addition the applicant has not been sentenced as a result of a felony conviction during 2018, incarcerated at any time during 2018 as the result of a felony conviction, or incarcerated at any time during 2018 as the result of a misdemeanor conviction in Alaska if convicted of a prior felony or two or more prior misdemeanors since January 1, 1997. If absent from Alaska for more than 180 days on an allowable absence; and has been physically present in Alaska for at least 72 consecutive hours at some time during 2017 or 2018.

[X] Los Alamos and Santa Fe counties have adopted a maximum income eligibility level of $24,000.

[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] 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. Cost of living adjustments for the maximum household adjusted gross income occur annually and are rounded to the next lowest multiple of $50.

[X] A deferral of property tax payments shall terminate on the earlier of: (a) voluntary payment of the full amount of deferred tax and interest to the state tax commission; (b) the death of the qualified claimant. In the case of more than one qualified claimant, the death of the last surviving qualified claimant; (c) a sale or other transfer of title to the property or any part of the property except a transfer of title to a surviving spouse of a deceased qualified claimant; (d) the property no longer qualifies for the exemption due to residential improvements; (e) a determination by the state tax commission that the deferral of property tax payments was erroneously granted to a person who is not a qualified claimant or in regard to property that is not qualified property. Income is defined as federal adjusted gross income, less deductions for certain medical and funeral expenses, business losses, early withdrawal penalties, and alimony. Income also includes social security and similar benefits, as well as most non-taxable income.

[X] Effective 1 July 2019, a locality may provide by ordinance that any disability income received by the person is not included for computing the annual income. This was enacted in 2019 Laws Va. Acts ch. 16 Forms are issued by the county or local taxing authority.

[X] Maximum credit may increase based on a formula of net terminal income generated by the state authorized video lottery games.

[X] For the purposes of this exemption, household income includes retirement, survivor, or disability benefits under the Social Security Act above the maximum limit. It also includes any other public or private retirement, disability, or pension system.

[X] Excess levies are additional property tax levies above the limits that are approved by vote of the people. Local school districts have no regular levy authority so e a substantial portion of their funding is from voter-approved excess levies. Excess levies must be authorized by a 60% majority of the voters, except for school levies which only require a simple majority. If the person subsequently fails to qualify only for one year because of high income, this same valuation must be used upon re-qualification. If the person fails to qualify for more than one year in succession because of high income or fails to qualify for any other reason, the valuation upon re-qualification is the assessed value on January 1st of the assessment year in which the person re-qualifies.

[X] Applications are administered by the counties. Due dates and forms required may vary.

[X] Homeowners may qualify for the exemption on a replacement homestead if they met the 10 year residency requirement on the previous homestead which was destroyed by natural disaster or was claimed by the government via eminent domain. No more than one exemption can be allowed per single dwelling unit of residential property. Eligible residence includes property has been purchased by or transferred to a trust, a corporate partnership, or any other legal entity solely for estate planning purposes and is the maker of the trust or a principal of the corporate partnership or other legal entity; Applications must be filed before July 15th. Forms are available beginning in January but not after August 15.

[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. Taxable value for residential property is calculated as 4.5% of market value based on all properties being assessed at 50% of market value and residential properties further taxed at 9% of assessed value. Income does not include gifts, inheritances, life insurance proceeds, social security lump sum death payments, insurance payments, federal fuel assistance, renter's refund payments, food stamps, veteran's disability payments, payments for foster care, Retired Senior Volunteer Program payments, Senior Companion Program, Vista Program, and medical expenses paid during the year if not reimbursed.

[X] 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. Homeowner applicants may reduce income by $2,000, and by an additional $4,000 for the applicant's spouse residing at the same address. “Disabled” is defined as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any 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 at least one year. A claimant is not required to be employed prior to such disability to qualify.

[X] Application forms are available at a parish assessor's office. 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. Under certain conditions extensions of up to two additional years to the "return and reoccupy" provision may be granted and up to 3 one-year extensions after that.

[X] Effective 1 January 2019 the following changes to the program take effect: (1) annual adjustments to income eligibility requirements will be calculated by using the change in the consumer price index. (2) Initial application for the benefit and certification of continuing eligibility require the same application procedures. (3) If the applicant moves within the state, he/she must file to transfer the homestead exemption by 15 August of the year the benefit is sought, or within 30 days of receiving a rejection for the benefit on the original property. Household income means the total federal adjusted gross income (AGI) and Nebraska adjustments including railroad or retirement benefits which are excluded in the computation of the AGI. Applications are to be filed after February 1 and by July 1, 2019.

[X] The Kent County Levy Court exempts all real property owned by citizens over the age of 65 from real estate taxes. The exemption amount in New Castle County is up to $32,000. The exemption amount in Sussex County is up to $12,500.

[X] Maximum benefit and income levels are adjusted each year by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 1999. Wealth limits are adjusted annually by the percentage change in the average assessed value of homes in the state since 2004. Real estate taxes include taxes levied on the taxpayer’s residence including any water and sewer debt charges. In communities not assessing water and sewer charges, 50% of water and sewer charges paid by the taxpayer is added to the amount of real estate taxes paid. Rent constituting real estate tax payments is calculated as 25% of total rent paid. The Circuit Breaker Credit does not prohibit the applicant from taking another exemption, deferral or abatement on their property taxes, however, any amount received from such an exemption or abatement, including the senior property tax work-off program, will be counted against the amount of taxes paid for purposes of determining eligibility and the amount of the credit.

[X] Disabled means a person who has been determined to be blind or permanently disabled with medical improvement not expected or who is determined to have a permanent total disability pursuant to the Workers' Compensation Act. The limitation of value does not apply to a change in valuation resulting from any physical improvements made to the property during the year immediately prior to the tax year or a change in the permitted use or zoning of the property during the year immediately prior to the tax year; or a residential property in the 1st tax year that is valued for property taxation purposes.

[X] In computing household income, a claimant may deduct $500 for each dependent living with the claimant. For renters, property taxes are assumed to be 20% of rent if heat is included or 25% of rent if heat is not included in the rent.

[X] "Assessed value" means twenty percent (20%) of the appraised value of the real property. The statute was amended in 2009 to assure that the assessment freeze set out in Amendment 79 is applied to the lower assessed value.

[X] Baltimore county has added its own program for low-income seniors who are at least 70 that will be tied to the state circuit breaker, rather than this program.

[X] Applicants who apply for assessment freezes are still eligible for property and sales tax rebates if they qualify for that benefit.