If you qualify for the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit, you could get money back this year.

What is the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit?
The State of Maryland provides a credit on property tax bills for those residents who qualify. Qualification for the program is based on gross household income. If you qualify, you will receive one of the following:

• Credit applied directly to your July property tax bill (for applications filed before May 1).
• A tax credit certificate to be used towards payment of the tax bill.
• A refund if your property tax has already been paid.

What are the requirements?
Applications are approved based on gross household income. In addition, applicants must meet the following three requirements to be considered:

• The dwelling for which you receive credit must be your primary residence for at least six months of the tax year.
• You must have legal interest in the property for which you receive the tax credit.
• Your net worth (not including the property) must not exceed $200,000.

What is the deadline for filing?
You must file on or before September 1, 2006 to be eligible.

Where can I obtain an application?
Applications are available from the State of Maryland, Department of Assessments and Taxation (phone 1-800-944-7403 or online www.dat.state.md.us; goto Forms and Applications)

Are You a Renter in the State of Maryland?

If so, you could qualify for the Renters' Tax Credit Program and get money back this year!

What are the requirements?
To claim the Renters' Tax Credit, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have a lease in the property and be responsible for the rent.
• You must have resided in Maryland for at least six months in calendar year 2005.
• You must have a combined net worth of less than $200,000 as of December 31, 2005.

Who can file?
Those under 60 years of age must meet the following requirements:

• Must have at least one dependent under the age of 18 living with you during 2005.
• Did not receive Federal or State housing subsidies in 2005.
• Must have a combined 2005 total gross household income that is below the program guidelines (for instance less than $18,810 for a household of 4).

Those ages 60 or over or those who are 100% disabled must meet one of the following requirements:

• Must have reached age 60 on or before Dec. 31, 2005  ---or---
• Must be 100% totally and permanently disabled as of Dec. 31, 2005 and submit proof of disability ---or---
• Must be the surviving spouse of one who otherwise could have satisfied the age or disability requirement. ---or---
• Must have a combined 2005 total gross household income that is below the program guidelines (for instance less than $20,000 if the monthly rent was more than $544 a month).

What is the deadline for filing?
You must file on or before September 1, 2006 to be eligible.

Where can I obtain an application?
Applications are available from the State of Maryland, Department of Assessments and Taxation (phone 1-800-944-7403 or online www.dat.state.md.us; goto Forms and Applications)

Renter's Insurance

What is Renter's Insurance?
Did you know that your apartment community or landlord’s insurance policy does not cover your personal property if damaged by a natural disaster? Are you aware that you may be liable for damage done to the apartment due to your negligence?

When it comes to your clothing, jewelry, furniture, and other personal items, you need renter's insurance to protect you from the cost of replacing your personal property if damaged by a natural disaster.

It is easy to get the renter's and liability insurance coverage you need. Once you’re covered, you can relax and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your possessions are protected against the unexpected.

What will I be Protected Against - What do Renter's Insurance policies typically protect against?

Policies vary, but many cover direct physical loss to your personal property, if damaged by the following:

• Fire or lightning
• Windstorm or hail
• Explosion
• Riot or civil commotion
• Smoke
• Vandalism or malicious mischief
• Theft
• Falling objects
• Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
• Accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam
• Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning, or bulging of certain appliances or water heating systems
• Freezing of certain systems or appliances
• Sudden and accidental damage from artificially generated electric current
• Volcanic eruption

How Can I Get Renter’s Insurance?
1) Find out what policies and coverage options are available in your area.
2) Compare Coverage Plans, Coverage Amounts, and Rates.
3) Choose the right plan for you. Select whether you would like a monthly or annual plan.
4) Order Renter's Insurance.

After you've decided on a coverage plan, complete the order process. 

Can I order Renter's Insurance now?
Yes. Renter's Insurance can be purchased from an authorized insurance agent/company.

How do I find pricing that makes sense for me?
Providers offer different tiers of coverage in each state.

Montgomery County Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

What is the Rental Assistance Program?

The Montgomery County Rental Assistance Program helps low-income families pay their rent. If you are a legal resident of the United States and occupy a rental unit in Montgomery County, you may be eligible for assistance if:

• You are disabled, at least 62 years old, or a household of two or more.

• Your monthly rent does not exceed program limits.

• Your monthly gross household income does not exceed program limits; and

• Your total household assets are less than $10,000.

Gross Monthly Income Eligibility Guidelines:

As of June 1, 2007:

* To reduce your gross monthly income, you may submit verification of child care expenses, ongoing medical expenses not reimbursed by insurance, and if you are age 62+ or disabled, you may deduct medical insurance premiums.

Eligibility:

Eligibility is based on a review of three factors:

1. The total number of people who live in your household.

2. The total gross income of all members of your household.

3. The total rent your household pays.

Section 8/Public Housing
Federal regulations prohibit the receipt of RAP by households who receive assistance under Section 8 or live in a public housing unit.

Renting from a Relative
If you rent from a relative who does not live with you, you are not eligible for this program. If the relative lives with you, all persons living at the application address are treated as one household to determine eligibility.

Renting Rooms
If you rent a room in a private home or apartment, you must have a separate rental agreement with the property owner. If you have your rental agreement with the current leaseholder, they must have a written agreement with the owner to sublet the property before we can determine eligibility.

How much assistance is available?
Eligible households can receive between $50 and $200 per month. Only one person per household is eligible to receive benefits.

How are benefits issued?
Benefits are approved for a maximum period of 12 months. A new application is required to determine continued eligibility.

Checks are mailed to your address at the end of each month for the next month's rent.

Rental Assistance checks may only be used for rent. The check is made payable to both you and your landlord. You must endorse the check and give it to your landlord each month along with your portion of the rent due.

For more information, contact the Department of Health and Human Services Rental Assistance Program at 240-777-4400. An application will be mailed to you upon request.