Definition

• The Homestead Act allows renters and homeowners to claim a tax credit to help reduce the burden of property taxes. It is designed for tax payers who have incomes that are low to moderate. Income restrictions usually apply and may be as low as $24,500 in Wisconsin or as high as $82,650 in Michigan.
  
  

Identification

• A homestead for the purposes of the Homestead Act are both rented and owned homes. These include houses, apartments, mobile homes, farms, nursing home rooms and rented rooms. You may not claim a residence as a homestead if the property is exempt from property taxes. College dorms cannot be claimed as a homestead, nor can secondary or vacation homes.
  
  

Additional Criteria

• Criteria differs depending on the state you live in, but the tax credit requires residency for six months to a year. In order to claim the tax credit, you must not be claimed as a dependent in someone else's tax return the year you file for the homestead claim.
  
  

Amount

• The credit you are able to claim will depend on income, rent and property tax amount. High taxes and low income result in a higher credit. The state may have a maximum amount that you are able to claim.
  
  

Forms

• Forms vary by state. At least one form will need to be filed to declare a homestead claim. Additionally, home owners will need to provide proof of property taxes paid, and renters will need to show proof of their rent paid.
  
  

Considerations

• Homestead tax credits can be filed retroactively. Cash welfare benefits will reduce the homestead tax credit you are eligible to claim. In some states, even if you did not pay state taxes during the year, you may be eligible for cash money back from the state under the Homestead Act tax credit.