Owens Introduces Bill To Extend Tax Relief For Heating Costs

Press Release

Congressman Bill Owens announced today the introduction of the Home Energy Affordability Tax Relief (HEATR) Act, a bill that aims to provide a refundable tax credit to Northern New Yorkers of up to $500 per household for heating costs that exceed $1,500 annually. For homeowners and renters with home heating expenses below $1,500, the credit would cover one-third of their total heating costs.

"As New Yorkers work their way out of these tough times, this bill will provide relief from anticipated high heating costs for families hit hardest by the recession," said Owens. "In the North Country, where home heating costs are a constant concern, this legislation helps families make ends meet."

H.R. 4706 is geared toward middle-class families of Upstate New York and provides one-third of the total cost of home heating expenses for an individual or family. To qualify for the tax credit, individuals and couples must earn annually no more than $50,000 or $100,000 respectively. Identical legislation was introduced last Congress by former Rep. John McHugh.

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