Times Staff Report

CROWN POINT | Low- and moderate-income homeowners are being urged to pay their property tax bills before year's end to avoid losing a $300 state credit on state income taxes.

Jane Hopkins, director of community services for the Northwest Indiana Community Action Agency, acknowledged the deadline for paying this year's property tax has been extended to the end of January 2008, but there is a cash incentive for paying earlier.

She said persons with earned income below $18,600 are eligible for a refundable credit of up to $300 on their state income tax and are eligible for deductions on their federal income tax if they pay their property taxes before Jan. 1.

People can pay their taxes in advance of receiving their bills at the treasurer's office, 2293 N. Main St., in Crown Point. Property tax bills are expected to be mailed out by next week.