Renter’s Refund deadline approaches

State Tax Commissioner Cory Fong has announced that the deadline to apply for the Renter’s Refund is approaching. The deadline is typically May 31, however because the deadline falls on Memorial Day, the applications need to be submitted by June 1.

“The Renter’s Refund is an important program and it provides assistance to those who need it most our low-income senior citizens and disabled persons,” Fong said.

The Renter’s Refund is a program for low-income senior citizens and disabled people to receive a refund for part of the money they paid as rent for their home or apartment.

“The Renter’s Refund program has been in place for a long time and many low-income senior citizens and elderly and disabled individuals who live on a fixed income rely on it,” Fong said. “This year we expect more applicants will qualify because the income limit and the maximum refund were both increased.”

The Tax Department administers the Renter’s Refund program. To qualify for the program, renters must be 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled and the renter’s 2009 income cannot exceed $26,000, an increase from the old income limit of $17,500. In addition to the increase in allowable income, the maximum amount of refund was increased this year to $400, up from $240 of prior years.

“Because of the increases in the income limit and the refund amount, more applicants might qualify,” said Fong.

If 20 percent of the total amount of rent paid is more than 4 percent of their 2009 income, they could be eligible for a refund. The maximum refund amount is $400. For example, if a renter pays $450 per month in rent ($5,400 per year) and the renter’s income is $18,000, 20 percent of $5,400 is $1,080, and 4 percent of $18,000 is $720. The amount that the renter is entitled equals $360 ($1,080 minus $720).

Fong encourages people who think they may qualify to call the Tax Department in Bismarck at 701-328-3127 or 877-328-7088 option 6, for more information and for an application. The application form is also available on the Tax Department website at www.nd.gov/tax/property/ forms/applicationforseniorcitizensdisabledrenters.pdf.

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