Residential Property Tax Relief Programs

[X] Applicants who apply for assessment freezes are still eligible for property and sales tax rebates if they qualify for that benefit. Applications for the assessment freeze must be submitted annually by 1 April of the year in which the freeze is sought.

[X] A homeowner may make partial payments on the balance of special assessments, including interest. The homeowner can make up to four partial payments per calendar year. Each partial payment cannot be less than five percent of the balance or $500. Payment is due in full one year after death of the owner or if the homestead is transferred/sold. 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] 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] 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. Beginning in 1995 a person who has attained the age of 23 or a head of household and was not claimed as a dependent on any other person's tax return for the base year is eligible by statutes for this program if they meet income requirements. However, the state has never provided funding for this portion of the program.

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

[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] Applications for the statewide program must be turned in by October 1st. In any municipality that has an additional local exemption, the applicant must file an application with the county assessor before the date of the assessment

[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] Effective 20 May, 2020, applicants who qualify for the limitation must file their application within 30 days of the date the assessor mails the notice of valuation. This was enacted in 2020 by 2020 N.M. Laws ch. 73 § 1 (SB 117). 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. Claimants must file for the value freeze with their county's application form.

[X] The property may not be sold or transferred unless the taxes have been paid with interest. Upon the death of the property owner, 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.

[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.

[X] Counties may determine eligibility of applicants that are to receive the benefits, by affidavit, application, visual inspection, questionnaire, or other reasonable methods. Applications that are required by the counties may vary.

[X] Applications and forms are kept with the local county auditor's office. As used for this exemption, the term “permanently and totally disabled” means the inability to perform substantial gainful employment by reason of a medically determinable impairment, either physical or mental, that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of 12 months or more, or result in death.

[X] Effective tax year 2021 the taxable value cap will be adjusted by the percentage increase in the U.S. CPI for the immediately preceding calendar year and rounded to the next $100.00 increment.

[X] Forms are issued by the county or local taxing authority.

[X] To remain eligible, the qualifying resident must reapply for the program every 3 years. The assessor shall review the owner's income qualifications using the owner's average total income during the previous 3 years. To be eligible for the property valuation protection, the resident shall make application and furnish documentation required by the assessor on or before 1 September. If the resident fails to file the application on or before 1 September, the assessor shall process the application for the subsequent year. Application made in 2019 provides protection for years 2020 through 2022 and is based on income from 2016, 2017, and 2018. When the owner sells the home or otherwise becomes ineligible for the program, the property's valuation will revert to its current full cash value.

[X] 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] 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] 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] Interest accrues at a rate of 6% annually. Funds from repayment of the liens are deposited to the state general fund. If the amount of the lien exceeds the market value of the property, the state may accept the amount of the market value of the property as payment in full on the lien. The lien becomes due upon the sale or transfer of the property except in the case of a transfer to a surviving spouse upon the death of the claimant. The applicant must submit the application to the county auditor no later than February 1 of the year in which the installment of the special assessment becomes payable. An application must be made each year for that year’s installment of the special assessment. The credit may not be applied to delinquent special assessments.

[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] 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] Property owners who participate in the work-off program are also eligible for other exemptions, deferrals, and abatements laid out under chapter 59 §5.

[X] Non-taxable gain as a result of an annuity exchange for an annuity contract shall be excluded from the combined income, as determined in the section 1035 of the Internal Revenue Code. This exemption applies to two contiguous units that have been combined into one.

[X] Applications are administered by local county collectors who determine eligibility of applicants. Applications must be filed by March 1 of each year.

[X] South Dakota resident who has claimed a refund of retail sales and service tax for the year may not qualify for the refund on property taxes paid.

[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. Local homestead exemptions may be granted by local taxing jurisdictions upon approval by a majority of the qualified electors residing within the local taxing jurisdiction.

[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] 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] To apply for the program, a claimant shall fill out the required forms by April 15th. A six month extension may be granted for filing the claim if it is requested by the applicant. For applicants 70 years old or over, they may be eligible to defer payment of property taxes. If they participate in that program, they are not claim this credit.

[X] The exemption is extended to active duty military on orders out of the area. An applicant can receive either an elderly or disabled exemption but cannot receive both.

[X] Counties may determine eligibility of applicants that are to receive the benefits, by affidavit, application, visual inspection, questionnaire, or other reasonable methods. Applications that are required by the counties may vary.

[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] Municipalities may provide a tax freeze for elderly homeowners. This is a local option to replace the previous Tax Freeze for Disabled and Elderly which has not allowed new participants since 1979. At time of sale or transfer of property, taxes are reset to level payable without the benefit. Forms are prepared by the county assessors. Evidence of income must be provided to the county assessor. Medicaid payments are not counted as income.

[X] Effective for tax year 2019: The $6,000 limit is hereafter adjusted for inflation. This change is pursuant to 2019 N.D. Laws ch. 475 (HB1041). Interest accrues at a rate of 6% annually. Funds from repayment of the liens are deposited to the state general fund. If the amount of the lien exceeds the market value of the property, the state may accept the amount of the market value of the property as payment in full on the lien. The lien becomes due upon the sale or transfer of the property except in the case of a transfer to a surviving spouse upon the death of the claimant. The applicant must submit the application to the county auditor no later than 1 February of the year in which the installment of the special assessment becomes payable. An application must be made each year for that year’s installment of the special assessment. The credit may not be applied to delinquent special assessments.

[X] With limited exceptions, 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] This deduction cannot be in addition to any other exemption from taxes to which the individual may be entitled, except a veteran’s deduction. Recipients of this benefit are eligible to receive any homestead rebate or credit.

[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. If an event requiring the the payment of deferred tax and interest occurs, and the ownership of the property is transferred to another member of the same property, the transferee may apply for continuation of the deferral of taxes only if that person is at least 70 years of age with an income not exceeding 300% of the federal poverty level.

[X] The ordinance requires a taxpayer claiming the exemption to annually submit a sworn statement of household income prior, on a form prescribed by the Department of Revenue, to the property appraiser not later than 1 March. The income limitation shall be adjusted annually on 1 January by the percentage change in the average cost-of-living index. 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 constitutes an abandonment of the property as a homestead.

[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. With limited exceptions, homeowners are only eligible for one exemption under chapter 59, section 5. If they qualify for more than one exemption, they will receive the one with the greatest benefit.

[X] Applications are administered by the counties.