Circuit Breaker program can provide property tax help

Roughly 700 eligible homeowners have yet to apply for property tax assistance this year, with the application deadline approaching.

Last year, Kootenai County accepted 2,900 applications for Idaho's Circuit Breaker program, according to a press release from the Assessor's Office. But only 2,200 have applied this year as of April 2, the release stated, indicating that several hundred are procrastinating.

Kootenai County residents can submit an application for the program until 5 p.m., April 16 at the county Assessors Office. The one page application is also available at the Assessor's Office, located on the second floor of the county Administration Building at 451 Government Way in Coeur d'Alene.

Qualifying homeowners can see their tax liability reduced by as much as $1,320 through the Property Tax Reduction Circuit Breaker program.

The goal is to help homeowners remain that way.

To be eligible, property owners must fit into one of the following categories as of Jan. 1 this year:

• 65 or older

• A widow or widower of any age

• Disabled (as recognized by the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board or Federal Civil Service)

• Blind

• Fatherless or motherless child under 18

• Former prisoner of war or hostage

Applicants must also have a reported 2011 income of $28,000 or less, after deducted medical expenses.

The Circuit Breaker program requires eligible property owners to apply every year. Those who haven't received an application or mail reminder should contact the Assessor's Office at 446-1500 or 446-1511.

The Assessors Office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

Assessor Mike McDowell encourages folks to pick up an application for others they think might be eligible.