$675 Stimulus Check – Eligibility Requirements, Deadlines, and Application Process

Homeowners in Montana who paid property taxes in 2023 may be eligible for a state-issued stimulus check of up to $675. This initiative is designed to provide financial relief and help homeowners recover some of their property tax expenses. While this check can offer much-needed support, knowing the eligibility requirements and application process is crucial to ensure you don’t miss out.

If you paid property taxes on your primary residence last year, read on to see if you qualify and how to apply.

Property Tax Refund

The Montana Department of Revenue is offering a refund program to help homeowners recoup up to $675 of the property taxes paid on their primary residences in 2023. The maximum amount is $675 or the total amount of property taxes paid, whichever is less. Here’s how it works:

• If you paid $425 in property taxes, you would receive a refund for that exact amount.
• If you paid $1,200 in property taxes, your refund would be capped at $675.

It’s important to note that these payments will be issued as paper checks—direct deposit is not an option. Homeowners should be cautious and rely only on official communications from the Montana Department of Revenue to avoid potential scams.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the refund, homeowners must meet the following criteria:

1. Primary Residence: You must have owned and lived in a home, apartment, or mobile home in Montana for at least seven months during 2023.
2. Property Tax Payment: You must have received and paid a property tax bill for your primary residence.
3. Land Restrictions: The refund applies only to the property taxes on your home and the first acre of land it sits on. Additional land owned beyond this limit is not eligible.
4. One Refund per Household: Only one refund can be claimed per household. If multiple homeowners reside in the same household, only one person can file for the refund.

Who is Not Eligible?

Certain homeowners and properties are not eligible for this refund:

• Businesses and LLCs: Properties owned by businesses or Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) do not qualify, even if an owner lives on the property.
• Renters: This program is strictly for homeowners. Renters who do not pay property taxes are not eligible.
• Irrevocable Trusts: Homes held in irrevocable trusts are also not eligible.

If you meet all these requirements, you may qualify for the $675 refund. However, if your property is owned under different legal circumstances or if you’re a renter, you won’t be able to apply.

Application Deadline

The application window for 2023 property tax refunds opened on August 15, 2024, and closed on October 1, 2024. This means that homeowners who haven’t applied by the deadline will not be able to claim this refund.

If you missed the deadline, there are no current extensions or exceptions. Paper applications can take up to 90 days to process, while online claims are usually processed within 30 days. However, since the deadline has passed, no further applications will be accepted for the 2023 tax year.

How to Apply

If you’re a Montana homeowner and submitted your application before the October 1 deadline, here’s what you can expect:

1. Gather Documentation: Make sure you provided your Social Security number, a copy of your property tax bill, and your geographical code.
2. Check Your Status: If you applied online, you can monitor your application status through the Montana Department of Revenue’s official portal. This is the fastest way to see if your application has been processed and when to expect your check.
3. Patience is Key: Paper applications take longer to process—up to 90 days. Online applications are quicker, but it still takes up to 30 days. If you applied through either method, expect your refund to be mailed to you once your claim is approved.

Payment Timelines

Payments are issued as paper checks and will be mailed to the address provided in your application. Make sure to keep your mailing address updated with the Montana Department of Revenue if you’ve moved since submitting your application.

With the deadline now passed, homeowners who haven’t applied will need to wait and see if Montana offers a similar program in the future. Always check with the Department of Revenue for updates and avoid third-party sites that may not have accurate information.

Avoiding Scams

It’s crucial to rely on trusted sources when checking for updates about your refund. The Montana Department of Revenue is the only official source of information on this program. Beware of scams and misinformation, as there are currently no federal programs offering similar benefits nationwide.

If you’re looking for additional support beyond this program, you may consider applying for other federal assistance options such as:

• Social Security and SSI for individuals with disabilities or low income.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food assistance.
• Unemployment Benefits for those who meet the eligibility criteria.

Always verify information through official government websites and avoid third-party sources that could lead to misinformation.

FAQs