Metro East Sun

Collinsville residents have approximately five weeks left to apply for utility tax rebates of up to $55, according to the city.

The rebates, which cover the tax period from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017, are available to Collinsville residents who are senior citizens, have disabilities or are designated low-income.

To qualify as a senior citizen, residents must be at least 65 years old during the tax year and demonstrate their age with state or federally issued identification.

Disabled residents must qualify as such under the State of Illinois Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act, and must provide a Disability Identification Card showing that they are under a Class 2 disability.

Low-income resident must show their tax return for the previous year, an IRS Notice 703 or an affidavit saying that they did not file a return, as well as state or federally issued identification. Low-income designation is based on the "Section 8 Poverty Level Income Guidelines" for Madison County.

All residents applying for a utility taxes rebate need to submit utility bills for each month under the tax period, with the names and addresses on the bills corresponding to the identification provided.

Applications and supporting documents must be submitted via the city’s online application system by May 31.