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Guest Commentary: Residents can get property tax refund

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The Mission of the Sun City Community Assistance Network is to, “Connect people with resources to enhance their standard of living.”

In other words, Sun City CAN helps people save money on things like property taxes, income taxes, utilities, Medicare premiums, prescription drugs and other things.

Many benefits go unclaimed simply because people are unaware that the benefits exist. In an effort to shed light on some of the help that is available to low-income seniors, I will write a guest commentary each month about a different senior help program.

Below is a listing of benefits available for low-income seniors that some may not realize are available.

Tax refund

Are you eligible for a $502 property tax refund?

The Arizona Property Tax Credit is a state program that provides a refundable credit based on the amount of property tax paid during the calendar year. It is available to qualifying low-income seniors age 65 or older and those who receive SSI. The maximum refund is $502 per year. A graduated schedule is used to determine the actual refund amount. Renters can also participate and receive a refund of the property taxes paid by their landlord. They must have their landlord complete a Department of Revenue Form 201 disclosing the amount of property tax paid on the rental unit.

The maximum annual income, over and above Social Security, for a person living alone is $3,751. For households with more than one person, the maximum amount, over and above Social Security, is $5,501, combining the income for everyone in the household. Again, neither Social Security, railroad retirement nor veteran’s disability counts when determining the maximum annual income of $3,751 or $5,501.

You must be an Arizona resident for the entire year and form PTC-140 must be filed by April 15.

During tax season, Sun City Community Assistance Network helps people file for these refunds. Last year we helped more than 500 people!

If you qualify for this credit, we encourage you to call the CAN office at 623-933-7530 and schedule an appointment. Again, the deadline to file is April 15.

Editor’s Note: Mr. Duncan is Sun City Community Assistance Network board president.