There are many stories where Aging Ahead’s involvement has made a big impact in someone’s life, here is one of those stories.
Sandy Lynn, a Community Services Coordinator, was visiting a home delivered meals client. During the visit, Sandy found the client had never applied for the circuit breaker before. Sandy sat and helped the client complete the forms for the previous 3 years, working together to gather all the required documents. This resulted in a refund of $3300. The client was so happy and thankful for Sandy’s assistance, she was able to put that money toward other much needed expenses.
Tax season is upon us, and the Community Options and Services Department is ready to help. The Missouri Property Tax Credit, also referred to as “circuit breaker,” is a tax credit available to qualified older and/or disabled adults.
Guidelines look at
- age or disability,
- paid property tax, and
- annual household income.
Renters or homeowners can apply, so long as property tax is being paid on the home. This means those who live in tax-exempt housing cannot receive the credit. Applicants have up to 4 years to file, due by April 15. For example, 2015 credits must be filed by April 15, 2019. There are additional documents that need to be submitted along with the circuit breaker form, depending on personal situation.
These documents include:
- copy of paid real estate tax receipt,
- 1099 forms,
- W-2 forms, and
- rent receipts or a signed statement from landlord
To gather documents, residents may need to reach out to the county collector’s office, the Social Security Administration, and other sources.
Aging Ahead has a dedicated phone line to inform callers of the specific eligibility requirements, as well as instructions on how to request a circuit breaker form. This information can be obtained by calling: 636-207-4213. For individual assistance, contact the COS Department in your county of residence:
St. Louis County: 636-207-0847
St. Charles County: 636-579-0555
Jefferson County: 636-253-0558
Franklin County: 636-629-3143
In 2018, roughly 450 callers received information from the circuit breaker phone line. The COS Department also personally assisted with 133 circuit breaker applications across our 4 county service area. Each application can lead to a credit of up to $750 for renters and $1100 for homeowners. This refund would be substantial for anyone, but especially a low-income senior.
Comments 30
Carol Gold
I have been receiving property tax credit claims for quite a few years! I mailed it the same day I received my Social Security income for 2018. Usually I receive my check within 2 weeks, this year it’s been 6 weeks so far! I checked and they received it but it would take 6wks and later told me 12 wks! A senior living on Social Security I’m in real need! Hoping you can help me when other people I know have received their check. Tks Carol Gold
spatrick
We typically get a handful of calls a year about delayed Missouri Property Tax Credit refunds. A press release from the Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway in 2018 reports “state income tax refunds to Missourians have been increasingly and deliberately delayed.” Notably, an error by the Missouri Department of Revenue resulted in many Missourians owing income tax rather than getting a refund as they expected this year. We have no official information about whether those issues are related to delays in MO-PTC refunds. The only way to check on the status of your personal refund is to contact the Department of Revenue, as you have done, at 573-526-8299.
Press Release link https://www.auditor.mo.gov/content/auditor-galloway-continues-review-states-issuance-income-tax-refunds-citizens
Jennifer killgore
In the state of Missouri, when can I file my renter’s rebate for year 2019?
Stephanie Patrick
One can apply for their Missouri Property Tax credit for 2019 from January 1, 2020 until April 15, 2023. If you have anymore questions contact one of our Community Options Specialists at (636) 207-0847.
Deborah Richardson
How far back can I go to get renters rebate I’m 62 on disability what would I need to file for a couple of years
Stephanie Patrick
You are always welcome to call one of our Community Options Specialists at 636-207-4213 for more information and to see if you qualify or how to get the forms to complete.
Missouri Property Tax Credit/”The Circuit Breaker”
You may be eligible for a credit on your real estate taxes or rent paid if:
– You are at least 65 years old, OR 60-64 and receive surviving spouse benefits, OR are 100% disabled
– You own your home and have an annual income less than $30,000 for an individual or $34,000 for a married couple, OR your rent your home and have an annual income less than $27,500 for an individual or $29,500 for a married couple
Credits for 2016 must be filed by April 15, 2020
Credits for 2017 must be filed by April 15, 2021
Credits for 2018 must be filed by April 15, 2022
Credits for 2019 must be filed by April 15, 2023
To order MO PTC forms call 1-800-877-6881. Forms can be downloaded at the following web address: http://dor.mo.gov/tax/personal/ptc/
Volunteer tax assistance is available February and April of each year. Call 1-800-243-6060 to find the nearest volunteer tax assistance site.
Debbie
My Dad is 86, he purchased a new car in 2017, are there any personal property breaks for him?
Stephanie Patrick
Our Community Options Specialists would be more than happy to talk to you. At this time there are no programs to offer any type of break with personal property tax. If your father is paying real estate tax or rent and is interested in learning more about the MO Property Tax Credit Program, we’d be glad to help. You can contact a COS at (636) 207-0847.
Kathryn Seers
Mobile home park sent a letter indicating how much rent was paid with federal id number and bookkeepers signature. I have not been able to reach them by phone or fax to get them to complete form 5674 will letter be good enough.
Stephanie Patrick
Per the Department of Revenue FAQ’s on the Property Tax Credit:
What documentation is required?
The following documentation is required (as applicable):
Copy of paid real estate tax receipt;
All 1099 forms;
All W-2 forms;
Letter from Veterans Administration;
Letter from Social Services, Division of Family Services (DFS), and/or Employment Security;
Letter from Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE);
Assessor Certification (Form 948);
Rent receipts or signed statement from landlord;
Form MO-CRP.
If you have further questions in regards to what documents the DOR will accept, you can contact them directly at PropertyTaxCredit@dor.mo.gov
Robert Niner
Are the Mo. Prop. Credit checks running late this year and if so how late are they going to be?
Stephanie Patrick
Each year the State of Missouri sends out MPT Credit refunds as their budget allows. So in other words when the State receives income they can then pay out that money for refunds. There is no time table for when you will receive your refund. If you do have more questions please e-mail the State directly using the e-mail below.
PropertyTaxCredit@dor.mo.gov
Renata Kale
Wondering when I will receive my 2016 and 2017 circut breaker refund checks. I filed them back in Feburary 2020.
Stephanie Patrick
The state of Missouri sends out refunds as their funding becomes available. There is no certain time table on when to expect a refund.
You can always visit the Missouri Department of Revenues website on how to obtain a status update of your Circuit breaker. Thank you for your inquiry.
L Mitchell
In order to file for the 2019 property tax it says in the instructions I need form 948, accessor certification. Do I need to make an appointment for the accessor in my county to fill it out and sign? I already have a paid tax receipt so this seems like overkill. Thanks in advance.
Stephanie Patrick
If your home or farm has more than five acres or you own a mobile home, and it is classified as personal property, an Assessors Certification (Form 948) must be attached with your paid personal or real property tax receipt. If you own a mobile home that is classified as real property, a Form 948 isn’t needed. In such cases, you can claim property tax for the mobile home and rent for the lot, if applicable. A credit will not be allowed for vehicles listed on the personal property tax receipt. A 948 does have to be completed by the assessor’s office in the county you reside. You can contact your local assessor’s office to determine the best way to get this information.
Kerrina Elliott
From what I’ve read I’d qualify as a renter for the last few years. When did this start? & If can & need to do this 2016-2019 & I’ve always filed a federal & State of Mo income tax returns on time so is it possible to still apply for each year & or is it considered filing a amended return or is this something completely separate & just typically is submitted along w/your State return? Thank you
Stephanie Patrick
According to our Community Options Specialists- “MO PTC credit is a credit/rebate through the state of Missouri; if you have already filed a state return then you cannot file a MO PTC in addition to your state return. An eligible individual can go back three years to file”. If you have further questions, please contact one of our Community Options Specialists at 636-207-0847.
Lori forrester
Are they delaying the property tax credit rebate this year 2021.. I turned mine in with my 1099 and I am 100 percent disabled.
Stephanie Patrick
There is no delay with the MO-PTC rebate. If you have all of your necessary documents needed to complete the application, it can be completed at this time.
Jacqueline Schneller
Asking for a friend.. How long do you have to live on the property if you are renting to file for property tax credit… They are 100% disable and they are over 65 years of age… I guess my question is do you have to live at resident for a FULL year to be eligible?
Stephanie Patrick
In order to file for the MO-PTC; you have to be a resident in Missouri for the full calendar year. You may rent at different residences throughout the year but must have been a resident in Missouri the full year you are applying for.
Karen
If you mail your tax credit for rent paid with direct deposit information, will it be direct deposited or mailed back to you?
Stephanie Patrick
If you filled out the direct deposit information on page 3 of the MO-PTC form it will be a direct deposit into the account you listed on page 3.
Karen
If you mail your tax credit for rent paid with direct deposit information, will it be direct deposited or mailed back to you?
Stephanie Patrick
If you filled out the direct deposit information on page 3 of the MO-PTC form it will be a direct deposit into the account you listed on page 3.
TaxPayer
Where is the direct deposit information section on page 3 at?
Stephanie Patrick
On this form (https://dor.mo.gov/forms/MO-PTC%20Fillable%20Calculating_2020.pdf) on page 3 item number 12. If you have any further questions or need help, please call one of our Community Options Specialist at 636-207-0847.
Ellen K Whiteside
I am trying to fill out forms for Property Tax Credit Ciaim for year ending 2020. Have few questions on filling out some requested info on the filing form.
1. Can I deduct Part B of monthly society security benefit to provide “Net Household Income”?
2. Any other way to file other than on-line or is there another form that I can mail or deliver to?
3. Whose social security last fours number is being requested under landlord section?
Stephanie Patrick
1. No, income must be entered as gross income, meaning the amount of income you receive before deductions.
2. PTC forms can be found and printed here: https://dor.mo.gov/forms/?formName=ptc&category=&year=2020
3. The 2020 PTC form does not require landlord’s social security number, you may be using an old form. If you are a renter, the landlord will need to complete and sign Form 5674 ( https://dor.mo.gov/forms/5674.pdf ) which you will mail with the PTC form
*If you need further assistance, please call 636-207-0847 to speak with a Community Option Specialist to help complete the PTC.