Governor Doyle: Column: Take Advantage of the New EZ Form Homestead Tax Credit Application

Contact:
Ethnie Groves, Governor Doyle’s Office,
608-261-2156

The State of Wisconsin has a new, simpler way for seniors
and working families to lower their property tax bills.

Since 1964, the Homestead Credit has helped significantly
reduce the impact of property taxes on our seniors and low- to
moderate-income families. The program ensures that Wisconsin’s property tax
system is fair and that property taxes are a reflection of what individuals
can pay. But as the program evolved, so did the complexity of the form,
contributing to low participation by eligible households. Currently, only
about 43 percent of those who are eligible receive assistance.

When I took office, one of my top priorities was to
eliminate unnecessary government red tape while ensuring a great quality of
life for all people in Wisconsin. With the new Homestead-EZ forms, I’m
pleased to say that we are moving toward that goal.

Under my direction, the Department of Revenue reengineered
the old, 17-page Homestead Credit booklet that contained instructions and a
three-page form. The new instructions and form fit onto one page – making
it easier for people to apply and receive the tax credits they deserve.
Now, instead of paying an accountant to prepare the form, individuals can
fill out the form themselves and get much needed tax relief.

In addition, the new form is accepted in paper form or
through an electronic filing system. More than 80 percent of those who
qualify for the Homestead Credit will be able to apply for it using the new,
simpler form.

Our hope is that the new form will ensure that more people
who are eligible will apply for the available tax credits. Last year, the
state provided more than $118 million to more than 230,000 people through
the Homestead Credit program – and 41 percent of those people were seniors.
If everyone who is eligible participates in the Homestead program, an
estimated total of 470,000 people could potentially receive property tax
relief.

The Homestead Credit is a great tool for us as we work to
ensure that everyone in Wisconsin receives the help they are eligible for
and can enjoy all the great things that life in our state has to offer. I
urge all those who are eligible to apply.

This is part of an overall effort in my Administration to
streamline government, making it less cumbersome, more customer and taxpayer
friendly, and more responsive to the people of Wisconsin. It is also part
of our effort to help reduce the property tax burden on Wisconsin’s
families.

The Homestead-EZ form was mailed out at the end of December,
and can also be accessed online at the Department or Revenue’s website
(www.dor.state.wi.us). The Department started accepting 2004 Homestead
applications on January 1, 2005.