Low-income disabled persons and low-income senior citizens can once again seek a rebate on their utility taxes thanks to the City of Federal Way’s Utility Tax Rebate Program.

Low-income seniors have qualified for the program since its inception in 2003 while disabled citizens have been eligible since 2007.

The rebate program, which helped 75 seniors and 20 disabled citizens last year, covers the City utility tax portion (7.75%) on gas, electricity, telephone, cell phones, pagers, garbage/recycling, and cable TV charges.

Past rebates have averaged $133. Actual amounts vary depending on household utility consumption. Taxes on wastewater/water charges are not eligible.

Requirements

Applicants must live within city limits and meet the federal government’s maximum allowable income limits: $29,500 for a one-person household, $33,700 for two, $37,950 for three, and $42,150 for four-person families. Required documents include a tax return or bank statements, and the customer’s utility bills.

Low-income seniors must be 65 or older. Low-income disabled persons must establish disability status for all or part of 2009 by providing one of the following: proof of Social Security disability income, proof of supplemental security income or a physician’s disability certificate.

Applications are being accepted Jan. 4 through April 30, 2010. They are available for download at www.cityoffederalway.com by clicking on the “Forms and Applications” section; for pickup at City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S.; or can be mailed. For more information, contact the City, 253.835.2403.