FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Beth Boustead, Public Information Specialist, 701.328.3039
Thursday, August 21, 2008

FONG: It’s Not Too Late To Claim Property Tax Relief

BISMARCK, N.D. – Tax Commissioner Cory Fong today reminded homeowners, landowners, and commercial property owners they still have time to claim the Property Tax Relief Income Tax Credit, even if they already filed their North Dakota income tax return but missed claiming the credit.

“Our job now is to do what we can to get the word out so that every eligible property owner is aware of the credit and has an opportunity to file for the relief,” said Fong. “It’s not too late for them to claim the property tax relief.”

The Property Tax Relief Income Tax Credit is the result of a law passed by the 2007 Legislature and signed by Governor Hoeven. The relief is available to North Dakota homeowners, landowners, and commercial property owners. Taxpayers claim the credit directly on their North Dakota individual income tax return.

Taxpayers whose income is below the amount that requires them to file a North Dakota income tax return may claim the credit by filing Form ND-3. Taxpayers who file Form ND-3 receive a property tax relief certificate that they redeem with the county treasurer.

According to Fong, it’s not too late for property owners who have already filed a North Dakota tax income return (Forms ND-1 or Form ND-2) but may have forgotten to claim the credit. Those taxpayers are encouraged to file a Schedule PT with the Tax Department.

“There may be property owners who did not claim the property tax relief credit when they filed their state income tax return,” said Fong. “Or, there may be North Dakota residents who own property in North Dakota but do not have an income tax filing requirement with North Dakota. We want to let them know they still have time to claim the credit.”

The property tax relief offers North Dakota property owners an income tax credit equal to 10 percent of the property taxes they paid. The maximum credit allowed is $500 per return (or $1,000 per return, if married filing jointly). So far, the Tax Department has approved nearly 160,000 credits for about $39 million in property tax relief.

Fong said, “It’s important that property owners who believe they may be eligible for the property tax relief file the appropriate form. Whether they typically file a North Dakota income tax return or are not required to file, I encourage them to be sure to file for the property tax relief.”

Information about the Property Tax Relief Income Tax Credit is available on the Tax Department web site at www.nd.gov/tax. Or contact the Tax Department by email at [propertytaxrelief@nd.gov] or call the Property Tax Relief hotline 877.328.2760 or 701.328.2760.

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