Annually, the city of Boulder, Colorado, implements a commendable initiative known as the Food Tax Rebate Program. Designed to assist individuals with limited financial means, this program offers tax rebates to aid in covering grocery expenses. For the current year, eligible participants can receive a rebate of $99 for individuals and $302 for families. Wondering if you qualify for this valuable benefit and interested in applying for financial aid? Read on to find out more.
Furthermore, city residents without permanent shelter can also qualify for reimbursement. They can fulfill the residency requirement by providing appropriate documentation demonstrating that they are receiving services from a state-recognized homeless service agency within the city. By meeting these eligibility criteria and providing the necessary documentation, interested individuals can apply for the Food Tax Refund Program and avail themselves of the benefits, including potential reimbursement of up to $302.
Qualifying and Applying for Food Tax Refund Checks of Up to $302
To qualify for the Food Tax Refund Program, interested individuals must fulfill specific criteria and submit a completed application. Financial eligibility guidelines must be met to ensure fair distribution of benefits. Eligible candidates should meet one of the following requirements:
- Residency: Applicants must have resided in Boulder for the entire 2022 calendar year.
- Age: Individuals aged 62 or older must have been so for the entire 2022 calendar year.
- Disability: Applicants must be individuals with disabilities.
- Family with Children: Individuals who belong to a family with children under the age of 18 in the household for the entire 2022 calendar year.
Qualifying Criteria for Financial Eligibility
For individual taxpayers, qualifying for the Food Tax Rebate Program necessitates an income of less than $43,900. However, for families, the acceptable income threshold varies depending on the number of household members:
- 1 member: up to $43,900
- 2 members: up to $50,200
- 3 members: up to $56,450
- 4 members: up to $62,700
- 5 members: up to $67,750
- 6 members: up to $72,750
- 7 members: up to $77,750
- 8 members: up to $82,800
The application period for the Food Tax Rebate Program commenced on March 1 and concludes with a deadline of June 30. To access the necessary application forms and gather further information about the program, please visit the official Boulder city website. Application forms are available in both English and Spanish.
Can homeless people avail the benefits from the Food Tax Rebate Program?
Yes! homeless people can avail benefits, here are the requirements:
- Economic Impact Payments: Homeless individuals can receive Economic Impact Payments (stimulus payments) even if they have little or no income and don’t usually file a tax return. They can receive $1,400 for themselves and an additional $1,400 for each qualifying family member. To receive these payments, they need to file a basic 2020 tax return, even if they had no income. The IRS provides free filing options and assistance for people experiencing homelessness.
- Homeless Shelter Deduction: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers a homeless shelter deduction that allows states to provide increased benefits to individuals and families without permanent housing but with shelter expenses. However, only about half of the states have taken advantage of this option. By adopting the deduction, states can enable homeless individuals and families to receive higher benefits.
- Permanent Address Not Required: Homeless individuals can claim Economic Impact Payments and other tax benefits even if they don’t have a permanent address. They can list the address of a friend, relative, or trusted service provider (such as a shelter) on their tax return. If they are unable to choose direct deposit, a check for the tax refund and the stimulus payment can be mailed to this address.
If you have any inquiries or require assistance regarding the program, you can reach out by calling 720-955-8486 or sending an email to foodtaxrebateprogram@bouldercolorado.gov.