What Are Eligibility Requirements for Rent Refunds?

You may be eligible to receive a rent refund:

• If you are 65 years old, or totally and permanently disabled. For a husband and wife who are living together, only one can apply for the refund. Only the spouse applying for the refund needs to be 65 years of age.
• If 20% of your annual rent exceeds 4% of your household income.
• If your household income does not exceed $17,500 for the year for which the refund is claimed.

If you are determined to be eligible:

• You will receive a refund for the overpayment of rent.
• A refund can not exceed $240.

How Do I Determine Rent Costs?

• Heat, lights, telephone or furniture costs cannot be considered as part of your rent costs.
• If your landlord pays for these items, you must deduct this cost from your rent when you apply for a refund.
• If you pay for your utilities and furniture yourself, you can not add the cost of these items to your rent when you apply for the refund.
• You are not eligible for a refund if you pay rent for any living quarters, including nursing homes, that are exempt from property taxation.

How Do I Apply for Rent Refunds?

• If you believe you are eligible for a rent refund you can call the State Tax Commissioner's Office for an application.
• Contact Legal Services of North Dakota at 1-800-634-5263
• The application must be filed with the State Tax Commissioner by June 1 following the year for which the refund is claimed.

Who Do I Contact For Additional Information?

• For additional information on rent refunds please call your local city assessor's office.

To Complete an application for rent refund you will need the following:

• Your total income from W-2's or 1099-SSA
• Your total rent paid for the prior year
• Out of pocket medical expenses of all types, for example: Insurance premiums, prescription costs, copays, etc.
• Travel expenses associated with medical care, either out of pocket costs or miles driven.

Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. If you have a legal problem, you should talk to a lawyer and ask for advice about your options.