Rep. Paul Marquart: Many Minnesotans are eligible for a property tax refund

It's that time again -- tax season. Most of us have recently received our 2006 property tax statements. While income taxes have stayed relatively stable, property taxes have gone up for most of us in rural Minnesota. There is a chance, however, for thousands of Minnesotans to get a refund on their property taxes through the Minnesota Property Tax Refund Program.

I'm committed to making sure that all of the people in rural Minnesota who deserve refunds for their property taxes receive them. Please take a moment to review the rules for receiving a property tax refund -- look them over to see if you qualify, and apply for the refund if you do. This is your money; make sure you get it back!

You may be eligible for a property tax refund if you are a homeowner and the net property tax on your homestead increased by more than 12 percent and at least $100 from 2004 to 2005; or

You are a homeowner and your household income is below $87,780 and your property taxes are high relative to your income; or

You are a renter and your household income is below $47,350 and your property taxes are high relative to your income.

In addition to the income thresholds detailed above, you must also meet the following criteria:

n You must be a full-year or part-year Minnesota resident.

n You cannot be a dependent.

n If you are a homeowner, your property must be your homestead.

n If you are a renter, you must live in a building on which property taxes were assessed.

n Relative homesteads do not qualify.

To find out if you are eligible for a refund, just complete form M1PR. This can be found at the Minnesota Department of Revenue web site at www.taxes.state.mn.us . If you have additional questions, contact the Department of Revenue at 651-296-3781 or by e-mail at www.dorweb.comm@state.mn.us . You can also check the status of your refund by calling 651-296-4444. Refund checks are generally issued within six to eight weeks.

If you have questions about this or any other issue, please contact me at the capitol at 1-800 551-5520, by e-mail at rep.paul.marquart@house.mn or at 345 State Office Building, Saint Paul, 55155.

Remember, it really is your money. By taking advantage of the Minnesota Property Tax Refund program, qualified homeowners can make sure to get it back.