Oklahoma Form 538-H Claim for Credit or Refund of Property Tax

What Is Form 538 H

Form 538-H is a document Oklahoma residents use to apply for a refund or credit of property taxes paid. Specifically, it is designed for citizens eligible for a homestead exemption. It allows them to claim a refund of sales tax in place of property tax if they meet certain income and age criteria.

Who Must File Oklahoma Tax Form 538 H

Filing Oklahoma form 538-H is necessary for residents who find themselves in the following situations:

• Individuals 65 years of age or older whose gross household income is below a specific threshold.
• Residents who are certified as disabled by the Social Security Administration or another authorized agency are eligible, irrespective of their age, provided they meet certain income restrictions.
• Eligible claimants who owned or rented their principal residence in Oklahoma throughout the previous year.
• Occupants who were not confined to a nursing home or public institution for the entirety of the previous fiscal year but met other qualifying criteria.

How To Fill Out Oklahoma Income Tax Form 538 H

Filling out Oklahoma form 538-H, the Claim for Credit or Refund of Property Tax involves a few key steps:

Personal Information: Start by providing the taxpayer's and spouse's Social Security Numbers and full names. Include your home address, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number.

Qualification Questions (Part 1): Answer questions regarding your residency in Oklahoma, age, disability status, and requirement to file an Oklahoma Income Tax return.

Gross Household Income (Part 2): Enter the total gross income from various sources for all household members, such as wages, interest, dividends, Social Security payments, etc. Remember, your gross household income must not exceed $12,000 to qualify.

Credit or Refund Calculation (Part 3): Enter the amount of 2023 real estate taxes paid on your homestead. Compute your credit or refund by multiplying your total household income by 1% and subtracting this from the amount of property tax paid. The refund or credit is limited to a maximum of $200.

Direct Deposit Information: If you're eligible for a refund and not filing Form 511, provide your banking details for direct deposit.

Signatures: The form must be signed and dated by both you and your spouse. Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission. For detailed instructions, refer to the form's guidance notes.

When To File Oklahoma Form 538 H

Oklahoma residents should file form 538-H within the regular state tax filing period. Typically, the deadline falls on April 15, coinciding with the state income tax returns deadline. If this date is on a weekend or public holiday, the deadline is moved to the next business day.