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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Tax Commissioner Cory Fong says changes to the Homestead Tax Credit program will allow more low-income senior citizens and disabled persons to qualify for the credit.

State Senator Jerry Klein says, “The Legislature increased appropriations for the Homestead Tax Credit program by an additional $10 million, doubling the program to $20 million.”

The Homestead Tax Credit is available to homeowners who are 65 years of age or older, or permanently and totally disabled. Qualified applicants receive a reduction in the property taxes on their primary residence.

The program reduces a homeowner’s taxable value by up to as much as 100% or a maximum reduction of $4,500 based on the homeowner’s income. The legislature expanded the top qualifying income from $26,000 to $42,000.

Other changes to the program include raising the value of assets allowed from $75,000 to $500,000, including the market value of the homestead and the value of any assets gifted or otherwise divested within the last three years.

Fong says, “We encourage homeowners who may have applied earlier this year but were ineligible because of the income test, to visit with their tax director to find out if they might be eligible now with the higher income limit.”

For more information about the program or for the proper application, homeowners should contact their local assessor or county director of tax equalization. Applications are also available on the Tax Department’s web site at www.nd.gov/tax.

To obtain a list of Tax Directors and City Assessors with their contact information, or for other related information, visit the Tax Department web site at www.nd.gov/tax. and or contact the Property Tax Division in the Office of State Tax Commissioner by calling 877.328.7088 option 6, or 701.328.3127.