Park County property tax increases are hitting a lot of people hard, especially those on fixed or low incomes.
County treasurer Barb Poley was in Powell Wednesday to give a presentation on …
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Park County property tax increases are hitting a lot of people hard, especially those on fixed or low incomes.
County treasurer Barb Poley was in Powell Wednesday to give a presentation on programs that can provide some relief to those who are struggling to pay property taxes or other housing costs.
Poley was joined by Sen. R.J. Kost, R-Powell, Rep. Sandy Newsome, R-Cody, and Park County Commissioner Dossie Overfield.
The Property Tax Refund Program has a deadline of June 5, and returns half of the applicant’s property tax from the previous year. The application must be received by the state by June 5, so anyone looking to avail themselves of the program should get the application into the county treasurer’s office before then.
Due to the short deadline, “I would highly recommend…you get it turned in,” Poley stressed.
The Legislature, Poley said, didn’t fund the program for a couple years, but it has been funded for the next biennium.
The tax assessments that went out to property owners this month reflect the current market values of homes. The county has gained thousands of new residents who are moving to the area in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resulting increased demand in housing has driven up home prices in Park County.
“So we’re lucky to have the program this year,” Poley said.
Gov. Mark Gordon released a statement Wednesday prompting state residents to take advantage of the program.
“Wyoming has not raised tax rates, and yet Wyoming citizens are feeling the pinch as their home values have risen,” Gordon said. “They are seeing it in their assessed valuations on their property. Homeowners need some relief, and this program offers some.”
Applicants may qualify if they have been a Wyoming resident for at least five years, own their own home, and paid their 2021 property taxes on time. The applicant’s assets cannot exceed $133,651 per adult household member. The value of the home, their car, and any retirement accounts do not count toward the total assets.
In Park County, eligible applicants’ income cannot exceed $48,075.
Applications are available online or at the Park County Treasurer’s office.
Other programs also exist to help residents with delinquent mortgage payments, utility and internet costs, and weatherization expenses. The treasurer’s office can provide anyone needing this assistance with more information on these programs, including eligibility requirements.