Montana’s elderly may be eligible for a 2011 homeowner/renter tax
credit for a portion of their property taxes or rent paid, based on their
income.

1/27/12 Contact: Marsha Goetting, Extension Family Economics Specialist,
(406) 994-5695 or goetting@montana.edu

MSU News Service

BOZEMAN – Are you a Montanan who is 62 or older as of Dec. 31? If so, then
check to see whether you qualify for Montana’s elderly homeowner/renter tax
credit for 2011. If you can answer “yes” to all of the following questions,
then you may be eligible for the credit:

1.    Were you 62 or older as of Dec. 31, 2011?
2.    Did you occupy a Montana residence(s) as an owner or renter for 6
months or more during 2011?
3.    Did you reside in Montana for nine months or more during 2011?
4.    Was your total gross household income less than $45,000 in 2011?
Instructions for determining total gross household income are included with
the form required to request the credit, Form 2EC.

Montana allows qualifying citizens a credit for a portion of their property
taxes or rent paid based on their income. The credit can be used against
state income liability or as a direct refund if the person is not required
to file a Montana state income tax return. During the years 2008 and 2009,
the average claim was $494. Only one claim is allowed per household.

To determine eligibility, complete Form 2EC, which can be found at your
local Department of Revenue, library, post office or tax preparer office. It
is also available on the web at revenue.mt.gov.

Help is available to complete Form 2EC by calling the Department of Revenue,
(406) 444-2830 (hearing impaired only) or toll free: 1-866-859-2254. If you
are in the Helena area, call 444-6900.