NEWS
MONTGOMERY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
COURT HOUSE, NORRISTOWN, PA., BOX 311, 19404-0311
PHONE (610) 278-3061 FAX 278-5959
COMMISSIONERS:
JAMES R. MATTHEWS Chairman, THOMAS JAY ELLIS, ESQ. , RUTH S. DAMSKER
RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY 12/19/05 PR#05-32
APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR HOMESTEAD EXCLUSIONS. DEADLINE TO FILE IS MARCH 1, 2006
NORRISTOWN — The Montgomery County Commissioners would like to urge all residential property owners, who have not already done so, to sign up for two potential tax relief programs.
The deadline for registering for the programs is March 1, 2006. Those who have registered in the past need not do so again unless ownership of the property has changed.
The Homestead Exclusion (Act 50 of 1998) would reduce a homeowners’ assessment by a fixed amount. In return the local school district could impose or increase the earned income tax. To date five municipalities are participating in this program; Towamencin Township, Montgomery Township, Upper Gwynedd Township, Whitemarsh Township, and Upper Merion Township. New homeowners, especially, in those townships are urged to apply.
The Homeowner Tax Relief Act (Act 72 of 2004) would reduce a homeowners’ assessment for school taxes by a fixed amount. Property tax relief under this program will be funded by a combination of an earned income tax and state revenue from slot machines. Real estate tax reduction under this program may not take effect for several years until there are sufficient funds available from the state. None of the Montgomery County school districts have opted into this program.
In order to qualify under both programs, you must own and occupy the property as your primary residence.
The same application is used for both homestead programs. You only need to file one application for both programs. If you are approved you qualify for both exclusions.
Applications are available by calling the offices of the Board of Assessment Appeals at 610-278-3761 or you came obtain one from the county website, www.montcopa.org. Click on the "forms" button on the left hand side and then click on Board of Assessments - Homeowners Tax Relief Act 72.
