Property tax reduction process is outlined

On. Feb. 1, there was a letter that in part talked about the property tax reduction process commonly known as the circuit breaker. It is a state program that helps those that qualify pay their property taxes.

It was said in the letter that the application is 12 pages long and that you need a certified public accountant or an attorney to help fill it out.

In actuality, we send out a brochure, a letter about the process, a one-page application and a medical expense statement for those who need it. So, there is a one-page application and the medical form if needed. That is two pages not 12 and we have people trained in our office to help make sure it is completed properly.

Once it is completed, with our help, we send it to the state and they determine how much tax relief a person gets. There are currently about 1400 people receiving this assistance in Bonner County and the assistance given by the state is certainly worth the effort.

The writer could have the circuit breaker confused with a hardship application and that is a much more involved process that starts with the Treasurer’s Office and is approved by the commissioners. It is a county-funded program where as the circuit breaker is funded by the state.

If you need more information please contact our office at 265-1440 for the circuit breaker and the treasurer’s office at 265-1433 for the hardship.

JERRY CLEMONS

Hope

Bonner County Assessor