Homepage Fill Out Your Wisconsin Homestead Credit Template
Outline

The Wisconsin Homestead Credit form, known as H-EZ, is designed to provide financial relief to eligible homeowners and renters in the state. This credit aims to assist low-income individuals and families by reducing their property tax burden or rent expenses. To complete the form, you must provide personal information, including social security numbers and residency details, as well as your age and that of your spouse. It is crucial to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria, such as being a legal resident of Wisconsin for the entire year and not being claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return. The form requires you to report your household income, which includes wages, pensions, and various forms of assistance, while excluding certain non-taxable income. Additionally, you will need to specify your property taxes or rent payments, as these figures are essential in calculating the credit amount. The final steps involve determining your total credit based on your household income and the lesser of your property tax or rent paid, ensuring that you receive the maximum benefit available. Completing the form accurately is vital, as any discrepancies could affect your eligibility for the credit.

Steps to Filling Out Wisconsin Homestead Credit

Completing the Wisconsin Homestead Credit form is an essential step for eligible homeowners and renters seeking financial relief. This process involves gathering personal information, household income details, and property tax or rent data. Once you have all the necessary information, you can follow the steps outlined below to fill out the form accurately.

  1. Start by checking the box if you are submitting an amended return for the year 2021.
  2. Enter your social security number and your spouse's social security number if applicable.
  3. Indicate the name of the city, village, or town where you lived at the end of 2021, along with the corresponding county.
  4. Fill in your legal name, including your last name, first name, and middle initial. Repeat this for your spouse if applicable.
  5. Provide your current home address, including the street number, apartment number (if any), city or post office, state, and zip code.
  6. Answer the questions regarding your age and your spouse's age as of December 31, 2021. If you or your spouse were under 18, you do not qualify for the credit.
  7. If you and your spouse were under age 62, indicate whether either of you was disabled.
  8. Confirm if you or your spouse had positive earned income in 2021. If not, you do not qualify for the credit.
  9. Indicate whether you were a legal resident of Wisconsin throughout the year 2021. If the answer is “No,” you do not qualify.
  10. Answer whether you were claimed or will be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s federal income tax return. If “Yes” and you were under age 62, you do not qualify.
  11. Attach your rent certificate or property tax bill as required.
  12. Fill in your Wisconsin income from line 5 of Form 1, or if not filing, list your taxable income, including wages, interest, dividends, and any other taxable income.
  13. Provide details of any nontaxable income not included in previous lines, such as unemployment compensation or Social Security payments.
  14. Add all the relevant income lines together to calculate your total household income.
  15. Determine the number of qualifying dependents (not including yourself or your spouse) and multiply that number by $500.
  16. Subtract the total from your household income to find the final amount. If this amount is $24,680 or more, no credit is allowed.
  17. For homeowners, enter the net property taxes paid on your homestead. For renters, enter the rent amount according to your rent certificate.
  18. Add the amounts from property taxes or rent calculations to find the total.
  19. Fill in the smaller amount between the total from the previous step and $1,460.
  20. Using the amount from your household income, refer to Table A in the instructions to find the appropriate amount to fill in.
  21. Subtract the amount from Table A from the previous line to determine your potential credit.
  22. Using the amount from the previous step, refer to Table B to determine your final homestead credit amount.
  23. Sign and date the form, providing your daytime phone number and Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN.
  24. If applicable, have your spouse sign and date the form, along with their daytime phone number and Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN.

Key takeaways

Filling out the Wisconsin Homestead Credit form can be straightforward if you follow these key takeaways:

  • Eligibility Requirements: Ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria, including age, residency, and income limits.
  • Amended Returns: If you need to make changes to a previously filed claim, check the box for an amended return at the top of the form.
  • Social Security Numbers: Provide accurate social security numbers for both you and your spouse. This information is crucial for processing your claim.
  • Income Calculation: Carefully calculate your household income, ensuring you include all relevant sources and follow the format specified (no commas or cents).
  • Documentation: Attach necessary documents such as your rent certificate or property tax bill. Missing documents can delay your claim.
  • Claiming Dependents: If you have qualifying dependents, be sure to list them accurately, as this can affect your credit amount.
  • Credit Computation: Follow the instructions for calculating your credit carefully. Use the tables provided in the form to determine your eligibility for the credit.
  • Sign and Date: Don’t forget to sign and date the form. Incomplete forms will not be processed.

Completing the Wisconsin Homestead Credit form correctly is essential for ensuring that you receive the benefits you qualify for. Take the time to review each section thoroughly before submission.

Documents used along the form

The Wisconsin Homestead Credit form is an important document for qualifying residents seeking financial relief. When submitting this form, there are several other documents that may be required or helpful to include. Below is a list of common forms and documents often used alongside the Homestead Credit form, along with brief descriptions of each.

  • Property Tax Bill: This document provides proof of the property taxes paid on the homestead, which is essential for calculating the credit amount.
  • Rent Certificate: For renters, this certificate verifies the amount of rent paid during the year and is crucial for determining eligibility for the credit.
  • Federal Income Tax Return (Form 1040): This form outlines the claimant's income and tax situation, helping to establish overall financial eligibility.
  • California Promissory Note Form: To facilitate your lending process, utilize the California Promissory Note document for clear terms and obligations between parties.
  • Wisconsin Income Tax Return (Form 1): Similar to the federal return, this form provides specific details about income earned in Wisconsin, which is necessary for the credit calculation.
  • Schedule H: This form is used to report household income and can provide additional details that support the Homestead Credit claim.
  • Proof of Age or Disability: Documentation that verifies age or disability status may be required to confirm eligibility for certain credits or exemptions.
  • Social Security Statements: These statements can be used to report Social Security income, which is relevant for the income calculation.
  • Documentation of Other Income: Any additional income sources, such as pensions or retirement distributions, should be documented to provide a complete financial picture.
  • Identity Protection PIN: This number is necessary for electronic filing and helps protect against identity theft when submitting tax-related documents.

Gathering these documents can streamline the application process and ensure that all necessary information is provided for the Homestead Credit claim. It's always a good idea to review the specific requirements outlined by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to avoid any delays or issues with your application.