NOTES
CALENDAR
STAFF
 
 
posted: November 7, 2008

Kansas is Driven to Cure

 

To Download the entire 2007 Newsletter, click here.

For archived articles

2003

2004

2005

 

Soon you can show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness with the Kansas Breast Cancer Research and Outreach license plate, available in early 2008.  This distinctive tag will display your commitment to those affected by breast cancer and help patients in Kansas battle this devastating disease.  Only residents of Kansas with a current Kansas registration may apply.

Your license plate will remind women and men to take charge of their health through early detection breast cancer exams!  Your annual $50 tax-deductible donation to obtain/renew this beautiful plate will support the University of Kansas Cancer Center’s clinical trial program.  This will ensure that the latest information on breast cancer prevention, early detection and treatment are all shared with cancer care professionals and patients all over Kansas.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center and the Kansas Medical Society alliance have obtained the mandatory 500 commitments to begin production on this plate.  Enclosed with your 2007 taxes is an insert for the Breast Cancer plate.  If you are interested in applying, fill in the information on the back and return it to the Ellis County Treasury.  You will then be mailed an application that must be completed and mailed to the address listed on the application.  Or you may access the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute, an integral part of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, at http://kmcri.kumc.edu and apply directly on-line.

If you have additional concerns or questions you may contact Traci Wilper, Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute, University of Kansas Cancer Center, 4030 Robinson Hall, MS 1027, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS  66160.  Or you may call Traci Wilper, toll free, 877-253-4477.

Electronic Reminders

Last year the Ellis County Treasury introduced a new FREE program, Electronic Reminders.  The response to this idea was phenomenal but we think we could make it even better.

Our lives are so hectic and often times everyone could use a reminder of upcoming events.  Let the Treasury give you relief from worrying about tax or registration deadlines by sending you reminders via the internet.

All you need is a computer with internet access.  Enclosed you will find an application form that needs to be filled out entirely and returned to the Ellis County Treasury.  Please print all information on this application form.  If you have already applied for this program, there is no need to do it again. 

Once your information is entered into the Ellis County Treasury files you will receive one of the following electronic reminders: that the current tax roll has been mailed, the second half tax deadline is in the near future, you have an upcoming registration renewal deadline or any announcements important to Ellis County constituents.  This service is also available on the Ellis County Treasury website, www.e-treasury.us.  Access our website, click on email reminders, provide the information requested and you will be reminded of upcoming deadlines.  This service will continue until you inform us to do otherwise.

Once again, if you have already applied for this service you need not apply again.  This service is offered to the constituents of Ellis County by the Ellis County Treasury at NO COST.

Interesting Facts

Office Hours:  Monday thru Friday 8-5 (open through the lunch hour).  The Treasury is located on the bottom floor of the Ellis County Courthouse, north wing.  All scheduled Holidays are listed on the Treasury website (www.e-treasury.us).
Deadline dates change for 2007 taxes:  Full or 1st half taxes are due on or before December 20, 2007 and because of the weekend, the 2nd half taxes are due on or before May 12, 2008.  (2nd half tax notices are not provided).
Payment Drop Box:  Located in the bottom of the left window on the east side of the Ellis County Courthouse, northeast corner and marked as such.
Public 30 Minute Parking:  Three parking stalls located in the north parking lot, along the east side of the Ellis County Courthouse, northeast corner and marked as such.
Handicap Parking:  Located in both the north and south parking lots of the Ellis County Courthouse (marked as such).  The south entrance is an automatic handicap accessible door.
Insufficient Funds:  $25 will be charged for checks returned to the Ellis County Treasury as well as ACH withdrawals made on accounts with insufficient funds.
Proof of Insurance:  This is mandatory and must be current Kansas liability insurance.  Proof of insurance must identify the vehicle being registered, showing both the beginning and ending dates of coverage.  This information may be faxed to the Ellis County Treasury at (785-628-9470) by a registrant’s insurance company.
United States Mint:  H.I.P. Pocket Change web-site, www.usmint.gov/kids, was launched in July 1999.  It is a fun educational tool for students and teachers that generate interest in coins, the United States Mint, and U.S. history. 
Ellis County Tax Statements

If you received a Homestead refund last year, have no outstanding balances with the Department of Revenue and checked the Advancement Box on your 2006 return, you should be eligible for this advanced credit on your 2007 tax statement.  This credit will be applied to the 1st half 2007 taxes due and will be printed on your statement. 
Homestead information was sent electronically to Ellis County from the Kansas Department of Revenue.  Prior to receiving your 2007 tax statement(s) you should have received a Homestead Credit notice from the State.  If you did not receive a notice or feel there is an error concerning your Homestead Credit, contact either the Kansas Department of Revenue (785-368-8222) or the Ellis County Clerk (785-628-9410).  Information is also available on the Kansas Department of Revenue website, www.ksrevenue.org.

Other Points of Interest

    • White statements are NOT bills and are sent only to homeowners with a designated taxpayer.  White statements are used to inform the homeowner of how much tax has been assessed on their property.
    • Payment stubs are located at the bottom of each statement and should be returned to the Treasury along with payments in the envelope provided. 
    • ACH application forms are located at the bottom and back of each statement.  Completed applications for each statement must be returned to the Treasury along with a COPY of a check from which the payment is being made.  If the checking account is the same for multiple statements only one COPY of a check is necessary.
    • If the total due is less than $10, it is due in full on or before December 20, 2007.  1st half or full tax payments are due on or before December 20, 2007 and the 2nd half has been changed to May 12, 2008.  The 2nd half deadline has been changed because May 10, 2008 falls on a weekend.
    • Comparison information for real estate statements is printed on the back of each real estate statement.  This year tax year 2006 is compared to tax year 2007.
    • When paying taxes by mail the Ellis County Treasury has provided a smaller return envelope.  It is the responsibility of each taxpayer to affix the proper postage needed for mailing.  If a change of address is necessary, check the box on the front of the envelope and enter the correct address in the return address area.

E-Z Pay Program

It has been several years since the Ellis County Treasury introduced the E-Z Pay Program.  This program allows taxpayers and/or motor vehicle registrants to set aside funds monthly to be used to pay taxes or renew registrations.

This program relieves the pressure of accumulating large sums of money to pay the aforementioned.  The monthly payment is determined by the taxpayer/registrant and may be changed at the discretion of such.
There are several ways of depositing into these personal accounts.  Automatic withdrawals are the most popular and are done on the 5th and 20th of each month.  Or monthly payments may be made by check or cash.  Payment coupon books are available. 

If an employer would like to make this service available to its employees as a payroll deduction, the Ellis County Treasury would be more than happy to accommodate.  Just call the Treasury (785-628-9465) and request information for the E-Z Pay Program.  All the necessary information will be mailed.  No matter how it’s done, this service is provided at NO COST to those who use it.

Phone Numbers

Ellis County & State Offices

County Area Code (785)
Appraiser  628-9400
Attorney 628-9405
Clerk 628-9410
Commissioners  628-9411
IT (Data) 628-9435
District Court 628-9415
Emergency Management 625-1060
Emergency Medical Services  628-9461
Environmental 628-9449
Extension 628-9430
Health   628-9440
Noxious Weed 628-9445
Public Works 628-9455
Register of Deeds 628-9450
Rural Fire   625-1061
Sheriff (administrative) 625-1040
Treasury Tags/Taxes 628-9465
Treasury Fax 628-9467
Treasury Insurance Fax 628-9470
State  
KS Drivers License 625-6917
KS Highway Patrol Vehicle Inspections   625-3518

www.e-treasury.us

The Ellis County Treasury is now open 24/7/365 by accessing the Treasury website at the aforementioned address.  The Ellis County Treasury has tried to make its website user friendly and as informative as a phone call.

Electronic reminders have become a very popular module of the website.  The Tax Search Engine enables users to access live information from Ellis County files.  Presently only real estate assessment or tax payment information is available.  The goal is to have all other tax information available in the future.  The Tax Estimator is the module used for calculating fees on motor vehicles.  The information for this module is updated annually, making it very useful for “shopping around” for a new vehicle.  The Calendar page changes monthly and always posts the current month along with the next two.  Upcoming events, holidays, publications and more are listed on this page.

New this year will be the K-64 page.  Hopefully this page will be completed by the end of this year and will be primarily for those taxpayers that qualify for Business Machinery and Equipment Tax Credit.  This is defined in greater detail on the back page of this newsletter.  This should make the K-64 information available for tax preparers at the time they need it.

The Ellis County Treasurer invites everyone to access the Treasury website and experience the Treasury.  During the past 12 month approximately 40,000 users have accessed this site.  Most visitors find the site to be informative and user friendly, visiting repeatedly.  If you have visited the Treasury site, please email and let us know your feelings concerning www.e-treasury.us.

Payment Options

Taxpayers may opt to pay taxes or motor vehicle transactions using cash, checks or any one of the following payment options.

Official Payments Corp

    • Allows taxpayers to use Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover
    • Convenience fee is assessed according to the amount being charged
    • Toll free number: 1-800-272-9829
    • Jurisdiction number: 2602
    • Confirmation number must be given to Treasury for verification
    • Internet access: www.e-treasury.us, Payments, Official Payments Corp

Electronic or e-check

Debit Cards

    • Limited to the following: ATM Networks, Cash Station, Pulse Pay, Maesiro, Interlink, EFTI, TYMI, MAC, Money Station, MagicLine and Honor/Star
    • User must know personal ID# or PIN#

ACH payments

    • Application form is printed on the back bottom of all Ellis County tax statements
    • No service fee
    • Withdrawn on 12/20/2007 (1st half or full payments) & 05/12/2008 (2nd half payments)

You may be eligible for a tax refund or credit for tax year 2007
HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX REFUND

A property tax refund for eligible homeowners and renters.

To Qualify:
As a Kansas resident for all of 2007, you are eligible for a refund of up to $700 if your total “household income” is $29,100 or less, AND:

    1. You were born before January 1, 1952, OR
    2. You were totally and permanently disable or blind for the entire year of 2007, OR
    3. You have a dependent child who lived with you the entire year that was born before January 1, 2007, and was under the age of 18 all of 2007.

“Household income” is generally all taxable and non-taxable income received by all members of the household.

?   How can I use my expected homestead refund to help pay up to the first half of my property tax?

Homeowners who received a homestead refund last year and do not have any outstanding balances with the Kansas Department of Revenue and who checked the Advancement Box on the 2006 return are eligible for an advancement.  The advancement information was sent electronically to Ellis County and appears on your 2007 property tax statement.  Important: You must still file a Homestead Refund Claim, Form K-40H between January 1, 2008 and April 15, 2008.

FOOD SALES TAX REFUND
A refund of the sales tax paid on food purchases.

To Qualify:
If you were a Kansas resident all of 2007, you are eligible if your Kansas adjusted gross income plus certain interest and retirement benefits exempt from Kansas taxation is $29,700 or less, AND:

    1. You were born before January 1, 1953, OR
    2. You were totally and permanently disable or blind all of 2007, OR
    3. You have a dependent child you claim as a personal exemption who was born before January 1, 2007, and was under the age of 18 all of 2007.

?   How much is the food sales tax refund?

If your income is:    Your refund is:
                $0 - $14,850            $78 for each exemption
       $14,851 - $29,700            $38 for each exemption

*The income brackets are indexed and change each year, and beginning with Tax Year 2006 the refund amounts are indexed as well.
    


BUSINESS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT TAX CREDIT
An income tax credit equal to 25% (for TY’s 2007 and after) of the personal property tax paid on qualified machinery and equipment

To Qualify:
You are eligible if you paid personal property tax on qualified business machinery and equipment without incurring any late payment penalties, and you are filing an income tax return.  Financial institutions filing a Kansas privilege tax return and insurance companies paying the insurance company premiums tax are also eligible for this credit.
“Qualified machinery and equipment,” means items required to be listed for property taxation on Schedule 2, Schedule 5, or Schedule 6 of the rendition.  Items that DO NOT qualify for the credit include motor vehicles, personal property owned by a public utility, and property not used for a business purpose.
The basis for the credit is the personal property tax timely paid on business machinery and equipment during the tax year.  Example: For tax year 2007 (calendar year), the last half of 2006 property taxes paid by May 10, 2007 and the 2007 property tax paid by December 20, 2007 are the basis of the credit.
NOTE:   Business Machinery and Equipment acquired after June 30, 2006 may be exempt from property tax.

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR REFUND OR TAX CREDIT

Homestead Refund:  Complete a Kansas Homestead Claim, Form K-40H, and mail it to the Kansas Department of Revenue anytime from January 1 through April 15, 2008.
Food Sales Tax Refund:  Complete the Food Sales Tax Refund line of the Kansas Individual Income Tax and/or Food Sales Tax Refund return, Form K-40, anytime from January 1 through April 15, 2008.  You may use one of our paperless filing options.  State/Fed e-file or WebFile, to obtain a faster refund.
Business Machinery & Equipment Tax Credit:  Complete Schedule K-64, “Business Machinery and Equipment Tax Credit,” and enclose it with your tax return.  Submission of property tax receipts are required if the credit claimed is $500 or more.  If your paid receipt does not separate the tax paid on qualified property from other personal property taxes paid, obtain a breakdown of the tax paid on qualifying personal property from the county.
Forms are available from the Kansas Department of Revenue, driver’s license exam stations, and other places of convenience throughout the state.  Forms may also be downloaded from our web site at www.ksrevenue.org, or ordered from the department’s voice mail forms request line at (785) 296-4937.

TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE
Assistance and additional information on these tax refunds and credits are available from the Kansas Department of Revenue, Docking State Office Building, 915 SW Harrison St., 1st Floor, Topeka, KS 66625, Phone: (785) 368-8222; Hearing-Impaired TTY; 785-296-6461, Information and forms are also available from the department’s web site at www.ksrevenue.org.
Homestead and Food Sales Tax Refund assistance is available from your county clerk or from free volunteer tax assistance programs.  Contact your local Department of Aging, Community Action Program, senior center, library, or county clerk for information on availability in your area.

For assistance in determining the amount of personal property taxes paid on commercial and industrial machinery and equipment, contact your county officials.        CR-20  (Rev 6/07)