Homestead Act Awaits
Renters Claim the money waiting for you. Most have seen ads similar
to this, but many who are eligible for Wisconsin Homestead Credit do not
complete the form. The Tenant Resource Center strongly urges renters to
look into claiming homestead credit when filing tax returns. Homestead credit
can reduce the money you owe or get you a refund.
If you were at least 18 and a Wisconsin resident whose income was less than
$19,154 you may qualify for homestead. You are not eligible if you are claimed
as a dependent on someone else's 1995 federal income tax return and you
cannot file homestead with Form WI-Z.
If it appears that you qualify, get a copy of the orange colored Schedule
H at a post office or library. Double check the requirements and read the
form's instructions; completing the form is quick and simple. Basically,
the rent paid and annual income determine the homestead credit. Have your
landlord fill out the rent certificate which gives you the necessary information
to complete the Schedule H. When sending in your completed tax form, enclose
the homestead form and rent certificate.
If the landlord refuses to complete the certificate a renter will have to
figure out the rent paid following the instructions on page 7 and enclose
copies of cancelled checks or money orders; write "landlord refuses
to sign" at the top of the rent certificate.
If you have already filed you will need to write "Income tax return
previously filed" at the top of the Schedule H. Attach to the Schedule
H a complete copy of your WI income tax return with "duplicate"
written across the top. If you filed a Form 1 or 1NPR you will also need
to attach a copy of your federal tax return and supporting schedules.
For further help call the Homestead Credit Hotline at 266-8641.
In summary, the Homestead Credit can help ease the burden of paying rent.
A windfall of potentially hundreds of dollars is possible. Check it out;
fill it out-there is nothing to lose.
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