Verification Of Ownership And Residency

(1) Evidence of ownership and residency is required and must accompany the application. Acceptable evidence of ownership shall include, but not be limited to, a copy of the current year tax notice or receipt for each jurisdiction for which the tax freeze is requested. Acceptable evidence of residency shall include, but not be limited to, a copy of the taxpayer’s voter registration card, if available. The collecting official may consider other evidence submitted by the taxpayer that offers reasonable proof of ownership and residency. (2) For a new application, before completing the certification, the collecting official must establish that the taxpayer is an owner as shown on the current year tax notice or receipt and the type of ownership interest; or if the taxpayer's name does not appear on the tax notice or receipt, the qualifications of the individual to apply for the tax freeze and the type of ownership must be evidenced. In the event the deed cannot be located, the taxpayer must submit an affidavit explaining the circumstances under which the applicant became the owner of the property. PROPERTY TAX FREEZE PROGRAM CHAPTER 0600-9 (3) The taxpayer must establish ownership by evidence submitted no later than the deadline for filing the application or reapplication established under Rule 0600-9-.09. (4) Other considerations of ownership verification are as follows: (a) Life Estate. A holder of a life estate may be eligible for the tax freeze program. If the life estate is not shown on the tax notice/receipt, acceptable evidence must be provided. Acceptable evidence will be a recorded property deed, probated will or other legal instrument conveying the life estate. (b) Mobile Home Owner. An eligible taxpayer owning and whose principal residence is a mobile home may qualify for the tax freeze program if the following is provided in addition to the taxpayer’s application. 1. A title or bill of sale (if a title or bill of sale is not available, an affidavit of purchase or inheritance may be provided.); 2. In the event the taxpayer does not own the land, information from the assessor showing the assessment value of the mobile home; and 3. A copy of the tax receipt. (c) If an eligible property tax freeze taxpayer is relocated due to illness or disability, the property tax freeze may continue if the recipient intends to return to the home when recovered sufficiently. In determining whether the recipient intends to return to the home, rental of the home does not of itself evidence an intent not to return. If the rental is month-to-month or otherwise short-term consistent with the expected absence, the recipient may nevertheless be deemed to have an intent to return to the home.