She says they could save citizens some money.
Frederick, Md (KM). A lot of Frederick County citizens may qualify for homeowners’ and renters’ tax credit programs, but they don’t know about them. County Executive Jan Gardner hopes to change that. During her public information briefing on Thursday, Gardner said she’s getting the word about the Homeowners’ Property Tax and Frederick County Senior Tax Credit programs, as well as the Renters’ Tax Credit.
She says residents who signed up for these programs saved more than $3.7-million last year. “There are also a number of credits for special circumstances. They include credits for the surviving spouse of a fallen emergency worker, and for people who rehabilitate vacant commercial structures,” Gardner says.
The Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit is available to citizens of all ages. They must live in their homes at least six months of the year, have a combined income of less than $60,000 a year, and a net worth of $200,000 (not including a home or qualified investment savings.) Applications are available on line at www.dat.state.md.us, or citizens can pick up a printed form the State Assessments Office, the Frederick County Treasury Department or the Department of Aging. The deadline to apply is September 1st.
The Frederick County Senior Property Tax Credit is for homeowners who are at least 65 years of age or older, and who have a household income of $70,000 or less. If a house is owned by more than one person, one of the owners must be 65 or older. To qualify, the house must be the principal residence, and the applicant must live there at least six-months out of the year. In addition, the applicant must have a net worth of less than $200,000, not counting the value of their home or any qualified retirement savings.
The Renters’ Tax Credit is open to those 65 and older, and people of all ages with a dependent who is 18-years of age or younger. “If you’re over age 60 or 100% disabled, you may eligible to receive a tax credit of up to $1,000,” says Gardner. “And that’s an increase from last year, when the credit $750. And I would note that this is a state program.”
Anyone who wants more information on these tax credit programs needs to contact the Frederick County Treasury Department at 301-600-1111.
By Kevin McManus