Homeowners throughout the State of Minnesota, including residents of Blue Earth County, could be eligible for a Homestead Credit Refund according to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The Department recently sent letters to taxpayers who they identified as likely eligible for a refund, but any homeowner may apply online to check their eligibility. The Homestead Credit Refund is a state-paid refund that provides tax relief to homeowners whose property taxes are high compared to their household income.
Homeowners with household incomes of less than $105,000 (or more for seniors, disabled and those with dependents) and whose property tax exceeds 2.5% of their income (less for lower income households) are eligible for the refund.
General eligibility guidelines include;
• Your total household income for 2013 must be less than $105,000
• You must have owned and lived in your home on January 2, 2014
• You property must be classified as your homestead
• You must be a full or part-year resident of Minnesota in 2013
• You cannot be a dependent
You may be eligible even if you’re not required to file a 2013 Minnesota income tax return.
Those that received notices from the Minnesota Department of Revenue are encouraged to file for a refund electronically for free at www.revenue.state.mn.us and enter “Homeowners” in the search box, then look for the Property Tax Refund Online Filing System section. Even homeowners who did not receive a notice are still encouraged to check eligibility online for a refund.