Some taxpayers in Kansas qualify for homestead refund program

Residents of Kansas may be able to receive funds back from their property taxes in 2008.

According to Bourbon County Clerk Joanne Long, some Kansas residents will be able to receive up to a $700 refund on their property tax through utilization of the Kansas Homestead Program.

The Kansas Homestead Program is a refund program for homeowners and renters, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue, www.ksrevenue.org.

"The Homestead Refund is a rebate program for the property taxes paid by homeowners and renters. The refund is based on a portion of the property tax paid on a Kansas resident's homestead. If you own your home, the refund is a percentage of your general property tax. If you rent your home, 20 percent of the rent paid for occupancy is used as the property tax amount. The maximum refund is $700," the Web site information said.

According to Long, residents who have lived in Kansas for all of 2007, own or rent property on the tax role and have an annual income of $29,100 or less might be able to qualify for the refund program in one of three ways. People who meet these criteria can qualify if they were born before Jan. 1, 1952, were blind or totally and permanently disabled throughout the year 2007, or have dependent children under the age of 18, who have lived in the home for all of 2007.

Long said that this year people who were not eligible before, may discover that they meet the qualifications this year.

"What's new this year that opens the door for some who may not have qualified in the past is that you only claim half of your Social Security and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) income."

Those who qualify and file for this refund will receive a rebate check. However, according to the KDOR, residents can opt to participate in the Homestead Refund Advancement Program.

"There is a question on form K-40H asking the homeowner whether they want their next year's homestead advancement sent directly to their county treasurer. If the box is checked on the 2007 K-40H, the 2008 homestead advancement will be sent directly from Kansas Department of Revenue to the county treasurer. This eliminates the need for the homestead claimant to physically deliver the homestead eligibility letter to the county treasurer," the KDOR statement said.

According to Long, about 70 local residents indicated they would like to have their refund sent directly to the county treasurer this year. These people will have their refunds taken directly off of the top of their tax amount, Long said.

Area citizens can speak with their tax preparers about the program and allow them to help fill out the paper work. Long said that the Bourbon County Clerk's office can help residents with the necessary paper work as well. Approximately 150 locals receive assistance from Long.

In addition to tax preparers and the county clerk's office, residents may seek help by contacting the Kansas Taxline at (785) 368-8222 or visiting www.ksrevenue.org to access a book about the program.