Senior News
I’d like to take a moment to share with you a couple of options for property tax relief. They are the Property Tax Assistance Program and the Montana Elderly Homeowner/ Renter Credit program. Note that you can’t participate in both programs at the same time.
The first one is the Montana Elderly Homeowner/ Renter Credit program. You can receive up to a $1,000 refundable tax credit based on your eligibility. Eligibility requirements are: being 62 years of age or older on Dec. 31, living in Montana for over nine months, rented, owned or leased a home for over six months and have a household income under $45,000. You can apply via the Montana Individual Income Tax Return or online via the TransAction Portal starting Feb. 1. Filing through the TAP is a quick and easy option.
The second one, the Property Tax Assistance Program, helps citizens on a fixed or limited income by reducing the property tax rate on your home. There are eligibility requirements, and your income and marriage status determine your reduction rate which is at either 80, 50 or 30 percent. The deadline to apply for 2021 assistance is April 15. You can apply online or you may print the form which can then be mailed to the local Department of Revenue field office at 501 Court Square #7, Glasgow, MT 59230. Their phone number is 406-228-6236.
Any senior who needs assistance with more information about these programs or assistance with filing through TAP may contact our office to schedule an appointment. Our office is open Monday through Friday (with the exception of legal holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can reach me at 406-653-6279 or Julie Bach at 406-653-6221.