In 2024, Wyoming’s property tax refund program disbursed $14.2 million to homeowners, marking a 72% increase from the previous year’s total of $8.2 million, Wyo File reports.
The surge in refunds is attributed to increased participation and legislative changes aimed at expanding access to the program.
The Wyoming Department of Revenue reported that the number of households receiving refunds grew significantly, with 13,485 successful applicants in 2024 compared to 8,818 the previous year — a 52% increase.
According to Department of Revenue Director Brenda Henson, the state plans to bolster the program further. During a recent meeting with the Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee, Henson proposed adding $10.5 million to the program through the state’s supplemental budget. This would bring the total fund to $16.2 million for 2024 tax year refunds, ensuring enough resources to meet growing demand.
“The property tax refund program is the only needs-based, income-tested relief program that’s on the books today,” said Henson, a former county assessor.
The refunds distributed this year covered property taxes paid in 2023. To qualify, applicants had to meet specific income, tax, and asset requirements. Refund amounts varied significantly across counties, reflecting differences in property values and the number of applicants.
The program, distinct from additional county-level refund initiatives in Albany, Converse, Lincoln, Sublette, and Teton counties, is designed to provide relief to homeowners — not to landlords or rental property owners.
Teton County topped the list for both the highest total refunds and the largest average refund amount. The county received $2.9 million of the statewide $14.2 million payout. Its 630 successful applicants received an average refund of $4,666 — nearly five times the state’s second-highest county average of $1,178 in Park County.
Laramie County, which had the most refunds issued (2,245), received $2.2 million in total refunds, but its average payment was significantly lower at $997 per household. Park County had the second-highest average refund amount at $1,178 for 1,645 households.
The unusually high refund amounts in Teton County sparked questions from state lawmakers. Sen. Jim Anderson (R-Casper) questioned why Teton County, known for its affluent population and high property values, was receiving a disproportionately large share of the refunds.
“Teton County is the highest average dollar refund,” Anderson said during the appropriations meeting. “I would think that wouldn’t be so if [the program] was income-related.”
Brenda Henson explained that Teton County’s high property values were a driving factor. The county’s assessed value for residential land, personal property, and improvements totaled $3.7 billion in 2024 — more than a third of the entire state’s total assessed value of $10.4 billion. For comparison, Laramie County, which has a population four times larger than Teton’s, had a total assessed residential value of $1.2 billion.
“Obviously, fair market value of residential properties in Teton County is significantly higher than in other counties,” Henson noted.
The proposed $10.5 million increase in funding for the refund program will be debated when Wyoming’s Legislature convenes early next year. Lawmakers will need to determine whether the additional funds are sufficient to meet growing demand for the program.
The property tax refund initiative, which aims to offer relief for homeowning residents struggling with rising property taxes, is one of the few income-tested relief measures available in Wyoming. With property values surging in many parts of the state, the program’s growing usage highlights the financial pressures homeowners face.
If approved, the proposed increase in the program’s budget would ensure continued access to refunds for Wyoming homeowners facing steep property tax bills. As more residents become aware of the program and apply for relief, state officials anticipate even higher participation next year.
