Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus (R-ND)
BY: MARY STEURER
BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota’s tax commissioner estimates thousands of North Dakota homeowners have yet to apply for up to $500 off their 2024 property taxes.
The Office of State Tax Commissioner as of Monday had received about 123,000 applications to the program, said Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus.
The office doesn’t have a firm handle on how many North Dakota residents qualify, but Kroshus estimated it to be in the ballpark of 150,000 people.
“The last 15-18%, I definitely would like to see those apply,” Kroshus said.
If you own a home in North Dakota and live there most of the time, you’re likely eligible to apply.
To claim your credit, fill out the online application on the Office of State Tax Commissioner or call 701-328-7988 during business hours. The Office of State Tax Commissioner has been advertising a March 31 deadline, but technically the deadline is April 1, Kroshus added.
Kroshus said the office plans to extend its phone hours later this week to make sure residents have ample opportunity to apply as the deadline approaches. It’s also considering staffing the phones for part of Saturday. Once the office decides on a timeframe, the additional hours will be advertised on social media, Kroshus said.
State offices won’t be open on Friday in observance of Good Friday.
To apply, you’ll need to provide proof of your identity and your home’s parcel number. Qualifying applicants will receive a discount on their 2024 property tax bills.
If you’re not living at home for medical reasons — like those residing in rehabilitation centers or nursing homes — you likely still qualify so long as you’re not renting your house to someone else in the meantime.
The office has been advertising the program in radio, TV and newspaper ads, as well as online and through the mail, Kroshus said.
“It’s, I would say, very robust,” he said of the state’s efforts to market the program.
The Legislature earmarked $100 million for the so-called primary residence credit program in North Dakota’s 2023-2025 state budget. Since the credit is state-funded, it won’t eat into local tax collections.
The $100 million only covers tax year 2024. If lawmakers want the program to be available next year, they’ll have to set aside money for it in the 2025-2027 state budget.
The program is one of a series of cuts to income and property taxes approved by the Legislature in 2023.
The package — which is expected to cost roughly $515 million — also grew a pre-existing property tax credit for elderly and disabled homeowners. That program, known as the homestead credit, was previously only available to North Dakotans with annual incomes of $42,000 or less. Lawmakers recently raised that limit to $70,000.
The state offers other tax relief programs, too — including assistance for low-income renters, disabled veterans and farm residences. Visit the Office of the Tax Commissioner’s website for more information.
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