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1. Can I apply for more than one program?

Yes. You may apply and qualify for more than one program. Note that there is a maximum benefit for most programs, which applies across of the programs together. So, even though you may qualify for more than one program, it is possible that one of those programs may provide enough of a tax benefit that you will not receive a tax benefit from the second program.

2. Do I have to apply every year?

Yes. We need to make sure that you still own the home, and that there have been no changes in your personal circumstances since your last application. This helps us ensure that tax relief benefits go to people who qualify for them, and that you receive the full benefit that you are allowed by law.

3. What counts as household income?

HOUSEHOLD INCOME INCLUDES:

1.All taxable and non-taxable income
2.Wages & salary
3.Bonuses & awards
4.Severance pay
5.Interest & dividends (including nontaxable from any source)
6.Trust income
7.Alimony & support payments
8.Disability payments
9.Loss carry-forwards & depreciation (added back in from tax return deductions)
10.Retirement income & pension (gross amount)
11.Voluntary contributions to a tax-deferred retirement plan
12.Annuities (gross amount)
13.Capital gains
14.Workers’ compensation, state unemployment, & nontaxable strike benefits
15."Loss of time" insurance payments (gross amount)
16.Social Security & Medicare
17.Cash public assistance or relief. (Includes welfare payments and other cash relief that can be applied to any purchase.)
18.Military service payments

HOUSEHOLD INCOME DOES NOT INCLUDE:

1.Federal income tax refunds (See *NOTE below)
2.Federal childcare credits (See *NOTE below)
3.Federal earned income credits (See *NOTE below)
4.Reverse mortgage payments
5.Senior program volunteer payments
6.Gifts
7.Bequests (inheritance)
8.Relief in kind from a tax-exempt source (non-government)
9.Relief in kind from a public or private agency
10.Surplus food
11.Food stamps
12.Insurance payments (considered compensation for a loss, not income)

*NOTE: If a tax “refund” exceeds the amount of taxes due, it is in the nature of “cash public assistance or relief,” and is thus included in “income” under Section 59-2-1202(6)(a).

4. What if I missed the deadline to apply?

By state law, the deadline to apply is September 1st, though counties may extend that deadline to December 31st. Summit County has chosen to accept documents until the final deadline of December 31st. However, that deadline is the absolute latest that we are legally allowed to accept an application.

Please apply by the early application deadline of September 1st, because we may need additional information, and an application is only considered “submitted” after we receive all supporting documents.

5. What happens after I apply?

After we receive your application, we will review it to ensure it is complete. If we need additional information, we will mail a letter explaining what additional information we need. We will put your application on hold until we receive the additional information. If we have not received the additional information by the December 31st deadline, we will disapprove your application as incomplete.

After we have all of the information we need, we will mail a notification that you have been approved for the program, or—if you were not approved—explain why you did not qualify.

If you qualify, we will automatically adjust your taxes. If your application is approved by September 1st, the tax relief should appear on the tax bill you receive in October. After that date, a refund for the benefit amount will be issued to whoever paid the taxes (you or your mortgage company) in November.

6. What if I move or sell my home?

If you have already been approved for a tax relief program and are moving to a new home, please notify the Treasurer’s Office. Depending on the tax relief program and where you are moving to, we may be able to transfer your tax relief to your new property, or send you a check for the amount of your tax relief benefit. We can also work with the title company processing your closing to determine the amount of your benefit.

7. What if my property is in a trust?

If the property is in a trust, a copy of the relevant sections of the trust document must be included with the application. We will review your trust document to see if it is structured in a way that will allow you to receive the tax benefit. Please contact our office with questions.