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Seniors can change school property tax requirements

April 8, 2013

The State of Delaware wants to remind area seniors that some of the requirements for the 2013 Senior School Property Tax Relief Program have changed since last year.

New this year, individuals who establish legal residency in Delaware after December 31, 2012, are required to live in Delaware for three consecutive years before they qualify for the credit. Also new this year, the application deadline for the credit has moved to April 30, 2013  the same day state of Delaware Personal Income Tax is due.

The Delaware Senior School Property Tax Relief Program offers homeowners ages 65 and over a 50 percent tax credit against their school property taxes (up to $500). This credit may only be used against property taxes on a primary residence. Changes to the program requirements are a result of House Bill 209, which was signed by Gov. Jack Markell June 28, 2012.

To receive the credit, seniors must complete a Senior School Property Tax Relief application available at any county office or www.finance.delaware.gov. This application must be submitted with a copy of a valid Delaware driver’s license or valid Delaware state ID card to the county in which the taxpayer resides. Applications are due to the counties no later than April 30.

Applicants do not need to re-apply for the credit each year. Once the applicant qualifies for the program, the amount of the credit will be deducted from the property tax bill before it is mailed by the county. Taxpayers must pay their property tax bill in full by the end of each tax year in order to qualify for the credit in the subsequent property tax year.

For more information or to verify previous registration to the program, taxpayers are asked to contact 302- 855-7824.

 

 

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