Gov. Shumlin Announces Tax Relief for Mobile Home Owners Hit by 2011 Flooding
June 14, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — Gov. Peter Shumlin today announced additional tax relief to help flood survivors who replaced mobile homes damaged or destroyed in either federally declared disasters that occurred in 2011, the spring flooding and Tropical Storm Irene. Specifically, a provision of Act 143 of 2012 makes purchases of these mobile homes tax-free for Vermont residents.
“Working together with the administration’s housing team, the Legislature passed a law assisting Vermonters whose mobile homes were destroyed by flooding, including these tax provisions,” the Governor said. “This is one more way to help survivors of last year’s storms put their lives back together.”
Sue Minter, the state’s Irene Recovery Officer, added, “We are continuing our effort to support individuals and families still recovering from Irene, and there remains a long road to full recovery for many Vermonters.
Three criteria must be met to receive a reimbursement for taxes paid on a mobile home purchase. First, you must be a Vermont resident. Second, your mobile home was damaged or destroyed as a result of a 2011 federally declared disaster. Third, Vermonters must have purchased the replacement mobile home between April 2, 2011 and June 30, 2012. If these criteria are met, Vermonters will receive a check for any Sales and Use or Property Transfer Tax they had paid.
“This is one of many ways the state is helping individuals and communities recover,” said Jennifer Hollar, Deputy Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development. “The beauty of this program is that the funds go right back to Vermonters to help them rebuild their homes and lives.”
The Department of Taxes has dedicated resources available to help those who may qualify for this tax reimbursement. Specifically, Vermonters can call the mobile home help line at the Department of Taxes at (866) 348-4038, e-mail Tax.MobileHomeHelp (at) state.vt (dot) us, or download the proper form and information sheet at http://tax.vermont.gov.
“The Department of Taxes stands ready to help eligible Vermonters take advantage of this important program,” said Tax Commissioner Mary Peterson. “We urge Vermont residents who replaced their mobile home due to flooding to apply for a tax reimbursement.”
