$1600 Property Tax Credit 2026: If you have seen a “$1,600 property tax credit” headline, here is the short version. It is real, but it is not a federal payment and it is not available in every state. It is a North Dakota homeowner credit with a strict yearly application window, and the 2026 window has already closed.
What Is the $1,600 Property Tax Credit?
The Primary Residence Credit lets North Dakota homeowners apply each year for a state property tax credit through the Office of State Tax Commissioner. Approved homeowners may receive up to $1,600 against their property tax.
| Claim | Fact |
| “$1,600 federal tax credit” | No. It is a North Dakota state program. |
| “Everyone in the US gets it” | No. Only North Dakota homeowners who live in their home. |
| “$1,600 cash payment” | No. It is a credit against property tax. |
| “Guaranteed $1,600” | No. The credit is up to $1,600 and cannot exceed the property tax due. |
| “Still open for 2026” | No. The 2026 window closed on 1 April 2026. |
How the Credit Grew?
The credit was created in 2023 under House Bill 1158 at $500 per household. In 2025, lawmakers raised it to up to $1,600 through House Bill 1176, signed on 3 May 2025.
About 145,000 homeowners applied for the 2025 tax year. State officials reported in December 2025 that the credit eliminated property taxes for more homeowners than expected, with an average 41% decrease for those who still owe tax.
Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
You must own a home in North Dakota and live in it as your primary residence. A house, mobile home, town home, duplex or condo all count, and homes held in trusts also qualify.
- No age or income limits. There are no age restrictions or income limitations.
- One credit per household. Spouses who live together, and dependents, are entitled to only one credit between them.
- One primary residence per person. An individual who owns more than one home cannot claim more than one primary residence.
- No special assessments. The credit does not apply to special assessments.
Key Dates for 2026 and 2027
| Item | Date or detail |
| 2026 application window | 1 January to 1 April 2026 (closed) |
| Credit shown on tax statement | Statements are mailed in December 2026 for a home on a lot you own. |
| Next window | 1 January 2027, with the standard yearly window running to 1 April |
The Primary Residence Credit is an annual application. The State Tax Commissioner states that homeowners apply each year during the January 1 to April 1 window, so approval for one year does not carry forward on its own.
Will the credit still be $1,600 in 2027?
The Tax Commissioner has not announced a 2027 amount on its Primary Residence Credit page at the time of writing. The credit amount is set by state law, so check tax.nd.gov/prc before the 2027 window opens.
Mobile and Manufactured Homes
Mobile and manufactured home owners follow a different timeline because their taxes are paid in advance. A separate registration in mid-2025 applied to the 2026 tax year only. Applications received between January 1 and April 1, 2026 apply to the 2027 tax obligation. Check tax.nd.gov/prc for your exact situation.
How to Apply ?(For the Next Window)
- Wait for the window. Applications open on 1 January each year.
- Apply online. Applications must be submitted online at tax.nd.gov/prc, and there is no paper process.
- Have your parcel number ready. It appears in the top left corner of your property tax statement.
- Need help? Call 701-328-7988 or 1-877-649-0112 for help applying, or email taxprc@nd.gov.
- Check your status. The Primary Residence Credit Application Look-up Tool in NDTap lets you verify your application status.
- Read the approval letter. One county noted that the final credit amount is not determined until property tax bills are calculated in December.
Combining the PRC With Other Credits
The PRC can sit alongside other North Dakota programs. If you are approved for the Homestead or Disabled Veteran’s Property Tax Credit and still owe a balance, you can receive an up to $1,600 PRC for the remaining property taxes owed.
- Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit: Available to eligible disabled veterans. See the official page for requirements.
- Renter’s Refund: For renters who meet the rules. See the official page.
One third-party guide says combined relief could reach $3,200. Treat that figure with caution, because actual relief depends on your tax bill and eligibility for each credit.
Common Mistakes
- Missing the deadline. The window is January 1 to April 1 only.
- Assuming it renews itself. You must reapply each year.
- Expecting a cheque. The credit reduces your property tax bill.
- Claiming more than one per household.
- Mobile home confusion. Timing differs from other homes, so read the rules carefully.
- Trusting unofficial sites. Apply only through tax.nd.gov. Be careful with any site that asks for payment or personal details outside the official portal.
Official Sources
| Source | What It Covers | Link |
| ND Tax Commissioner: Primary Residence Credit | Eligibility, amount, dates, FAQ, application | https://www.tax.nd.gov/prc |
| NDTap PRC Application Look-up Tool | Check application status | https://tap.tax.nd.gov/?link=PRCLookup |
| ND Property Tax Exemptions and Credits | Overview of all state property tax credits | https://www.tax.nd.gov/property-tax-exemptions-credits |
| Homestead Property Tax Credit | Senior and disabled homeowner credit | https://www.tax.nd.gov/homestead-property-tax-credit |
| Disabled Veteran’s Property Tax Credit | Veteran-specific credit | https://www.tax.nd.gov/disabled-veterans-property-tax-credit |
| Renter’s Refund | Refund for eligible renters | https://www.tax.nd.gov/renters-refund |
| N.D.C.C. §57-02-08.9 | State law behind the PRC | https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t57c02.pdf#page=31 |
| Williams County (local example) | County notices on approval letters | https://www.williamsnd.com/property-tax-exemptions-and-credits/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the $1,600 property tax credit a federal program?
No. It is North Dakota’s Primary Residence Credit.
Can I still apply for 2026?
No. The 2026 window closed on 1 April 2026.
When can I apply next?
The standard annual window is 1 January to 1 April. Expect 1 January 2027 to open the next one, and confirm on tax.nd.gov/prc.
Is it a cash payment?
No. It is a credit applied to your property tax statement.
Is there an income or age limit?
No.
Do I have to reapply every year?
Yes.
Can a couple claim two credits?
No. One per household.
Does it cover special assessments?
No.
What if my taxes are under $1,600?
If the taxes are below $1,600, only the amount of the taxes is applied.
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