State property tax refund program applications open

JACKSON — Gov. Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Department of Revenue announced Monday that the property tax refund program for homeowners is now open for applications.

An additional $20 million was appropriated for the program by the Legislature in the most recent budget at the request of the governor in an effort to ensure that homeowners in need are eligible to participate.

“I want to thank the Legislature for endorsing the importance of this program to Wyoming taxpayers and for providing the resources needed to get additional relief to those most impacted by increased assessments,” Gordon said in a statement.

Homeowners can apply for a refund of up to one-half of the median residential property tax amount or 75% of their 2023 property tax bill, whichever is less.

In 2023, the program helped more than 9,000 Wyoming families, with more than $8 million in refunds distributed. The average refund statewide was approximately $938, but Teton County saw the highest returns in the state.

Teton County property owners received a total of $1.57 million last year, nearly 20% of the $8.26 million refunded in Wyoming. Four-hundred and forty-two applicants in Teton County were approved, and the average refund per application was $3,568.

Some residents also benefited from both the state and county refund program, with 155 of the total 307 applicants in Teton County paying $0 in taxes, according to the Teton County Treasurer’s Office. The average tax bill for the 155 who received a 50% exemption from both programs was $5,459.

The property tax refund program that assists eligible Wyoming homeowners struggling to make ends meet was further expanded during the 2024 budget session. More residents will qualify after Gordon signed House Bill 4 in March, expanding eligibility to those whose household income is equal to or less than 145% of the median household income for their county of residence, or the statewide median, whichever is greater.

There are other qualifications, though. Applicants must have been Wyoming residents for at least five years, occupy the residence at least nine months of the year and have total assets less than $156,900 per adult household member.

The Department of Revenue anticipates an additional 2,000 taxpayers will qualify with the increased income level even with these requirements.

Wyoming Department of Revenue Director Brenda Henson said all taxpayers who applied for refunds last year will receive an application in the mail in mid-April. But taxpayers may also apply online at Wptrs.Wyo.Gov beginning on Monday.

In addition, applications are available from local county treasurer’s offices across the state. All applications must be properly completed and filed with the Department of Revenue or the treasurer’s office no later than June 3. Before applying for the refund, individuals must pay their 2023 taxes in full.

Homeowners will have the chance to apply for the Teton County property tax refund program in May. Teton County Treasurer Katie Smits said applicants could receive up to a 100% refund if they qualify fully for both the state and county programs.

The county application is not ready yet, but it will be available next month online and to pick up in person at the treasurer’s office. Smits is developing the paperwork with the County Attorney’s Office, which will require approval from the Teton County commissioners.

While $20 million has been allotted for the state program, Smits said a certain amount hasn’t been approved yet in Teton County. The county is in the middle of the budget process.

Last year, more than $870,000 was paid out by the county.

This story was published on April 16, 2024.