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Friday, November 13, 2009 11:00 AM

Rebates help fend off delinquent taxes

By VICKIE MOSS, Herald Public Affairs Editor

A tax rebate program can help some Kansans pay property taxes or rent.

The Homestead Refund offers a rebate up to $700 for property taxes paid by qualified homeowners and renters. Homeowners can receive a refund on a percentage of the property tax, while renters can receive a refund for 15 percent of the rent.

The Homestead Refund can be a big help, Debbie Hough, Franklin County treasurer, said.

Although most property owners have taxes included in their mortgage, people who don’t have a mortgage company or have to pay taxes separately especially could benefit from the refund.

The program allows eligible homeowners to apply a portion of their anticipated Homestead Refund to help pay the first half of their property tax. Or, homeowners can pay the tax on their own and later submit a claim for the refund.

Hough said some local residents take advantage of the refund to pay the first half of taxes, but most find more benefit from waiting until they receive income information for the entire year.

Because of programs like the Homestead Refund, tax payments as part of a mortgage and an annual property tax foreclosure sale, Franklin County has been able to keep up with tax collections fairly well even in a tough economy, Hough said.

She encourages homeowners to see if they qualify for the Homestead Refund. The Franklin County Clerk’s Office, 315 S. Main St., can help people with the form.

To qualify for the Homestead Refund, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Kansas resident, living in Kansas the entire year.

• Total household income must be $29,700 or less.

• Be 55 or older or be blind or disabled.

• Have a dependent child younger than 18 who lived with you all year whom you claim as a personal exemption.

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