State property tax refund program applications open

by Jasmine Hall

Jackson Hole News&Guide

Via Wyoming News Exchange

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.

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.