How to Apply for a Property Tax Reimbursement

Property owners may be eligible for a reimbursement through government programs, usually at the state level, for the amount of money paid in property taxes above a certain base amount that has been paid consistently each year. There are very specific requirements to qualify for a property tax reimbursement, and you will need to apply officially to determine whether you are eligible. It is important to take the time to consider a few factors before you begin the process to prevent wasting your time or energy.

Instructions

1. Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the property tax reimbursement for which you are applying. Most property tax reimbursement programs will require that you be above a certain age level and within a certain income range, as well as at least 10 years of residency in the area where the program is offered, regardless of how long you have actually owned the property. There will most likely be a separate time requirement for how long you have owned the piece of property, which is usually 3 years.

2. Determine the base amount of property taxes you paid in the first year you became eligible for a property tax reimbursement. This amount will be used to determine the amount of the reimbursement by comparing it to your payments in subsequent years and subtracting the difference.

3. Pay the full amount of property taxes you owe each year in full and on time. The amount and payment of your reimbursement relies on the fact that you have paid all property taxes up to and including the year for which you are applying for the reimbursement.

4. Fill out the necessary forms for your property tax reimbursement, and then submit them to your local government's tax office before the deadline. You will most likely be required to provide copies of your property tax bills for both the previous and current year, as well as proof of payment for both years, with your application. You may also be asked to provide proof of your age in the form of a birth certificate or driver's license.

5. Provide verification forms for any necessary documents that you cannot locate to include with your application. Many property owners have trouble finding property tax bills for previous years or proof of payment and may need to fill out a form to be verified by the tax office as a substitute for this type of documentation.

Tips & Warnings

• If your own a multiple-family or commercial property, you most likely will not be eligible for a property tax reimbursement. These programs are generally designed for low-income property owners of single-family homes.