Realtors: Ariz. tax package threatens home rebates

Approval of a massive economic development bill pending at the Arizona Legislature would mean that vacation homes would lose an automatic tax break and that owners of other homes would face a new hurdle to get it.

The legislation tightens eligibility for the current annual homeowners rebate of up to $600. It also would require that homeowners submit an affidavit every two years to get the rebate by swearing that a home is their primary residence.

Arizona Association of Realtors spokesman Tom Farley says his group suspects many homeowners will fail to mail the newly required affidavit and then face having to file an appeal to get the rebate.

The legislation’s rebate provision is based on a presumption that many homeowners now get rebates for rental homes.