Here are a few loose ends from the last couple of weeks. First here is the info Julie A. Hilbert, Senior Benefit Specialist for FDL County covered in her visit this past week:
SENIOR MOMENT UPDATE
Feds Share Coupons to help TV Transition - $40.00 coupons are available to help TV owners switch to digital broadcasting. Beginning Feb. 18, 2009, anyone who does not own a digital set and still gets their programming via antennas will no longer receive a picture. Viewers who have satellite or cable service will not need the box. The boxes are expected to cost anywhere between $50-$70 and are available at major electronic retail stores. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration will begin accepting request for two $40 coupons per household to be used toward purchase of the boxes. To request a coupon call 1-888-388-2009.
Property Tax Deferral Loan Program
Due June 30, 2008 (every June 30th)
They fill out application and are evaluated
Qualifications:
65 years of age or older
Qualifying insured home in Wisconsin and reside there for all of 2007
$20,000 total household income
Outstanding liens, loans and judgments cannot exceed 33% of assessed value
Interest rate changes yearly (2007 8.75% compounded annually)
If approved a check is printed for the applicant and tax authority
Homestead Tax Credit
The Ben. Spec will assist in preparing Homestead Credit in February of each year
Currently seniors can receive credit back dating to 2003
*After April 16, 2008 then can receive credit back to 2004
Eligibility
Owner or Renter
Have to be resident of Wisconsin for entire year
Income of less than $24,500 (Individuals and couples)
Need
Income Records (1099)
Social Security Statement
Rent Certificates (located on back of instruction booklet) and/or
Property Tax Bill
*Please see the schedule of clinics for 2008
Now here is Julie's explanation of The Homestead credit and the schedule of clinics.
WISCONSIN HOMESTEAD CREDIT
By Julie Hilbert, Benefit Specialist Fond du Lac County
The Wisconsin Homestead Credit is a tax benefit for renters and homeowners with low or moderate incomes. It is designed to lessen the impact of rent and property taxes. Property taxes do not need to be paid before filing for Homestead Credit. Qualifying persons can get back some or all of their state taxes withheld during the year. Household income that is reported includes all income for tax purposes plus certain nontaxable income. Nontaxable income include gross Social Security, SSI, Railroad Retirement, pensions, IRA income and income from investments, etc. You have until April 15, 2012 to file for your 2007 homestead credit, and after April 16, 2008, you can receive credit back to 2004. The maximum amount of Homestead Credit can be as high as $1,160. Expect to wait six (6) to ten (10) weeks for the payment from the time it is submitted. To check up on payments you can visit the department’s website at www.dor.state.wi.us. Other assistance is available by calling the Madison office at 608-266-8641 or the Fond du Lac branch is open on Monday at 845 S. Main Street in Fond du Lac.
To qualify for Homestead credit you must:
· Be a legal Wisconsin resident for all of 2007
· Have a household income less than $24,500
· Be a owner or renter of the homestead during 2007
· Not be claiming farmland preservation credit for 2007
· Not be living in a nursing home and receiving medical assistance
· No claim may be filed on behalf of a person after his or her death
Julie Hilbert the Benefit Specialist for Fond du Lac County will be conducting Homestead Tax Clinics during the month of February. Please see below for dates and locations. If you are unable to make it to one of the clinics please schedule an appointment by calling 920-929-3521.
What to bring: 1099’s from Social Security, banks, pensions, and any other statements of income and a copy of your property tax bill or a completed rent certificate.
HOMESTEAD CLINICS
Waupun – 301 E. Main Street, Waupun - February 4, 2008 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Riverview Apartments – 101 Western Avenue, Fond du Lac – February 6, 2008 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Grand Court Apartments – 630 W. Arndt St., Fond du Lac – February 7, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Westnor Apartments – 653 W. Arndt Street, Fond du Lac – February 7, 2008 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Heather Meadows – 235 Winnebago Street, North Fond du Lac – February 11, 2008 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Northgate Apartments – 350 Winnebago Street, North Fond du Lac – February 11, 2008 from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Brandon – Grand Vista Apartments, 552 E. Washington, Brandon – February 12, 2008 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Campbellsport – 163 E. Main Street, Campbellsport – February 13, 2008 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Ripon Senior Center – 301 Watson Street, Ripon – February 14, 2008, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
