Property, income tax rebates available

Property taxes have gone up but there is a possible solution. Starting August 15, 2023, taxpayers who own property can apply for a rebate on their 2022 taxes. This can be as much as $675 for a primary residence in both 2023 and 2024. But qualifying residents need to reapply in 2024.

To qualify for the property rebate persons must have owned and lived in their Montana residence for at least seven months in 2022. Property taxes must have been billed on their Montana property, and they must have paid property taxes on that residence. The deadline for this year’s claim is October 1, 2023.

“We are very welcoming to anyone needing assistance with filing online. Mtrevenue.gov has forms for claims,” Tina Glosser with the Department of Revenue in Thompson Falls said.

State income tax rebates are available too. Those who filed single in 2022 can receive up to $1,200 from the state. For those who filed married, a maximum $2,500 rebate may be available. This is based on an individual’s 2021 tax filing status and amount that was reported on line 20 of the 2021 Montana Individual Income Tax Return (Form 2).

To qualify for this rebate, persons need to have filed a 2021 Montana resident tax return by October 17, 2022, and filed a 2020 Montana resident or part-year resident tax return by October 17, 2022. Line 20 on their 2021 Montana return must have an amount greater than zero. Persons must not have been claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s 2021 tax return. For rebate consideration, amended 2021 returns must have been filed by May 1, 2023.

Qualifying taxpayers will begin receiving their rebates from the Montana Department of Revenue in July 2023 via their banking information provided on their most recently filed Montana Form 2. Beginning in June 2023, the TransAction Portal (tap.dor.mt.gov) became available to check rebate eligibility. At this site click on “Where’s My Rebate?” Social Security number and zip code for 2021 taxes are needed. This information is available at the local Department of Revenue office in Thompson Falls.

The lead appraiser for the area is Wayne Freeman and the area manager is Dan Lapan. They are conducting town hall meetings in Polson, with an online attendance option. Though they are meeting to go over property reappraisals, they do answer questions regarding websites and rebates. Anyone interested in attending via the internet can go to the state Department of Revenue website and select PAD for their public meeting schedule. Meetings are scheduled for July 12, 17 and 25. There is a Zoom option available to sign in and ask questions.

To claim a property tax rebate, beginning August 15, 2023, or for the individual income tax rebate, go online at GETMYREBATE.MT.GOV or file by paper. Wayne Freeman can be reached at (406) 872-6235. Dan Lapan can be reached at (406)758-3373. For more assistance contact MT Department of Revenue at (406) 444-6900, or go to [email protected].