Cards must be returned to get tax break

The Carson City Assessor's Office has sent out cards to 17,000 residential property owners to determine whether they qualify for the state's 3 percent cap on their property taxes.

Verification cards went out in late April and tell property owners how to qualify for the cap. A substantial number were returned to the city, however, so a second mailing will be conducted.

The cards need to be mailed back to the Assessor's Office by June 15, and must be returned for property owners to qualify for the 3 percent tax rate.

In April 2005, the state applied a ceiling on the annual tax increases levied on property owners' primary residences. The assessor is required each year to determine whether the owner or a renter lives in each dwelling, but property owners must supply the information to receive the tax break.

Commercial properties in Carson City will be taxed at a rate of 6.8 percent. Some rental properties may qualify for lower tax rates, however. These owners will be required to provide affidavits to determine their eligibility.

For information, or if you haven't received a card by late this month, call the assessor's office at 887-2130.