FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Beth Boustead, Public Information Specialist, 701.328.3039
Wednesday, February 6, 2008

FILE EARLY FOR RENTER’S REFUND

BISMARCK, N.D. – Low-income senior citizens and disabled persons may be able to receive a refund for part of the money they paid as rent for their home or apartment in 2007, announced State Tax Commissioner Cory Fong. Mobile home residents may be eligible for a refund of part of the lot rent they paid. The deadline for filing for the refund is May 31.

“Even though the deadline is a few months away, we want to do what we can to make certain that everyone who is eligible knows about the deadline,” said Fong.

The Tax Department offers the refund to renters who are 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled at any age, and whose 2007 income was not over $17,500. And, if 20 percent of the total amount of rent paid is more than four percent of their 2007 income, they could be eligible for a refund. The maximum amount of refund is $240.

“The 2007 Legislature raised the income limit,” said Fong, “making it available to more people and we want to get the word out about that change.”

Under the old requirements, an applicant’s income could not exceed $14,500. With the new $17,500 increased income limit, the Tax Department is anticipating an additional 1,700 new applicants will participate in the renter’s refund program.

Fong added, “Anyone who thinks they might be eligible should contact the Tax Department and request an application.”

Last year the Tax Department paid over 1,300 refunds for nearly $190,000. The average refund was about $145 per application.

Fong encourages people who think they might qualify to contact the Tax Department in Bismarck at 701.328.3127 or toll-free at 800.638.2901, option 5, for more information.

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Additional details about the Renter's Refund program are available in a brochure, Homestead Tax Credit for Senior Citizens or Disabled Persons.