AARP-Montana scores early victory in legislature

Source: AARP.org

AARP Montana scored an early victory in the legislature when Senate Bill 115, designed to help taxpayers, sailed through the legislative process and was among the first five bills transmitted to Governor Schweitzer’s desk for signature.
 
AARP Montana urged the Department of Revenue to request the bill in order to fix a major problem with the Low-Income Property Tax Assistance Program by changing the due date from March 15th to April 15th.  The problem was brought to light by AARP Tax-Aide volunteers.  Every year, volunteers would see people that qualified for the property tax assistance, but missed the March 15th deadline. As a result, qualified people were ineligible for the assistance.  By aligning the two tax deadlines, everyone that qualifies for the assistance, will be able to receive it.

“People often wait to do their taxes right up until the deadline, and often these are the people who need low-income assistance programs the most,” said AARP Tax-Aide volunteer Concetta Eckel during testimony before the Senate Taxation Committee.

This much-needed but relatively small change will have a significant impact for low-income Montanans.  Tough economic times will make this assistance more important for people on fixed incomes.

The bill becomes law immediately upon signature by the governor, so this year people will hopefully realize its benefits.