Application Process And Deadlines

(1) The taxpayer must apply within thirty-five (35) days from the date taxes in the jurisdiction of the collecting official become delinquent for the tax year for which the freeze is sought to establish an initial base tax. A taxpayer who has established an initial base tax must reapply and re-qualify within thirty-five (35) days from the date taxes in the jurisdiction of the collecting official become delinquent for the year preceding the tax year for which the freeze is sought. Provided, however, that if the county trustee acts as the agent for receiving and approving applications on behalf of the municipality, the delinquency date for the county taxes shall be used in determining the deadline for the municipal application or reapplication. A taxpayer who fails to reapply or re-qualify within the time established forfeits eligibility for the program. (2) For a new application, before completing the certification, the collecting official must establish through application the following: (a) That the taxpayer is an owner and ownership has been established pursuant to Rule 0600-9-.08. (b) That the taxpayer is 65 years or older or will be 65 years or older by the end of the year for which the tax freeze is sought. PROPERTY TAX FREEZE PROGRAM CHAPTER 0600-9 (c) That the property for which the tax freeze is sought is the principal residence of the taxpayer. (d) That the taxpayer’s income does not exceed the maximum income level for the jurisdiction as determined by the Comptroller of the Treasury. (e) That the taxpayer was told to report the income of all owners. (f) That the authority to sign for the owner was established if someone other than the property owner applied or signed the application and a copy of the documentation of authority was provided. (3) For a reapplication, before completing the certification, the collecting official must establish through ownership, income, and residency information that the taxpayer reported information consistent with that of prior years and there is no reason to believe the taxpayer misunderstood the instructions. (4) A municipality may authorize and appoint the county trustee to act as its agent for receiving applications and determining eligibility for its tax freeze program. Such agency shall be subject to the county trustee agreeing to act as such agent in writing. Such authorization shall be established through the resolution or ordinance provided for under Rule 0600-9-.03 or a subsequent resolution or ordinance. If such agency is authorized, the county trustee may rely on one application from the taxpayer in determining the qualifications and eligibility of the taxpayer for both county and municipality purposes. (5) The Division shall develop and furnish forms for the application and reapplication process. A substantially equivalent form may be used, provided that such form is approved by the Division. The Division may make such application and reapplication process available electronically.