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City of Durango accepting applications for 2022 food tax and utilities refunds

Qualifying residents can receive money back based on family size, income levels
A worker removes food in a supermarket. The application period for the city of Durango’s Food Tax Rebate and Utility Refund programs opened Monday. Families who earn up to half the area median family income for La Plata County, which varies based on household size, can apply with the city for refunds. (Associated Press file)

Applications for the city of Durango’s food tax and utility refund programs opened on Monday for households that earn up to half the area median family income for La Plata County.

For reference, a family household of three can earn up to $44,150 and be eligible for rebates, according to the refund applications. But other qualifications must be met for each program as well.

Residents living outside city limits are not eligible for the Food Tax Rebate Program. Durango residents must have lived within city limits through 2022 (starting from Dec. 31, 2021) to be eligible. Applicants are required to file for all family members living in the same household and must list every family members’ total income earned in 2022. All family members 18 years old or older must include a copy of a valid identification to be submitted with the application, according to the application form.

Qualifying annual income for households differs based on household size:

  • One-person households are eligible for a utility refund of $137 if the applicant earns up to $34,350 a year.
  • Two-person households are eligible for a $256 refund if they earn up to $39,250 annually.
  • Three-person households that earned up to $44,150 a year are eligible for a refund of $290.
  • And, households that have four or more family members are eligible to receive a refund of $347 if they earn up to $49,050 a year.

To qualify for the Utility Refund Program, applicants must have owned and lived in a home within city limits that received utility services as of Dec. 31, and for at least 10 months out of the year in 2022. And as with the food tax refund, the income of family members living in the household must also be provided, and household family members over the age of 18 must provide a copy of their identification, according to the refund application.

The total income thresholds for households eligible for a utilities rebate is identical to the income requirements for the Food Tax Rebate Program, but applicants stand to receive larger payouts from the city’s Utility Rebate Program. The Utility Rebate Program pays different amounts based on household size:

  • One-person households can receive a $204 refund.
  • Two-person households could receive a $348 refund.
  • Three-person households can receive a $394 refund.
  • Households of four family members or more can apply for a refund of $458.

Prospective applicants have until July 7 to submit information, the release says. Residents can access applications for both programs online at DurangoGov.org/Rebates. Physical copies can also be picked up at Durango City Hall, the Durango Transit Center and the Durango-La Plata Senior Center.

cburney@durangoherald.com



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