Interesting to see Megan Banta’s story on property taxes (The Tribune, Aug. 20). Toward the end she mentions the “circuit breaker” tax relief program. Circuit breaker is a four-decade old statewide program that assists qualified Utahns not only with property taxes, but also rental costs.
Circuit breaker helped over 42,000 households in Utah last year, but after testifying at two legislative hearings on circuit breaker this year, I’m very concerned about its health and future existence.
I recently produced two videos on this essential program, and if you search for “Utah Circuit Breaker 2023″ on YouTube, you will hear about options for homeowners (you must apply to your taxing agencies by Sept. 1) and see how renters can apply directly to the Utah State Tax Commission. The notes to the video contain pertinent links and statewide contact information. I even go through the rental forms line by line and it’s incredibly easy. The tax commission does a great job and the deadline for renters is Dec. 31.
It’s very important for concerned Utahns to voice their support for circuit breaker, especially to their senators, as bills to improve it passed the Utah House of Representatives unanimously (68-0) two years in a row but, for some reason, they mysteriously die in the Senate.
Jerry Schmidt, Salt Lake City
