The program is opened to all full-time and part-time regular hire County of Marin employees, including fixed-term employees. Employees may apply for housing assistance for a new rental lease that started within 90 calendar days of the application due date or be planning a move within an upcoming nine (9) month period.
Eligible Expenses
Eligible expenses may include rent payment, security deposit, moving expenses, and short-term storage costs, with a maximum amount not to exceed $7,500 per applicant. Examples of eligible moving expenses include reasonable costs to pack and move personal possessions and/or transportation costs such as a moving van/truck rental. Detailed documentation, including a signed lease agreement, itemized receipts and proof of payment must be submitted with any disbursement request. Disbursement requests are eligible if they are for expenses related to a move that has taken place within the past 90 days.
Ineligible Expenses and Programs
The following expenses are currently not eligible for financial assistance: home purchase, refinance, property investment, vacation rental and home rehab/modification or furniture purchases.
Tax and Repayment
Employees who receive assistance and work at least 18 months after the initial disbursement will be taxed on the full amount in the year during which 18 months has elapsed since the initial disbursement and will not have to repay any of the amount. For example, if an employee receives an initial disbursement on October 1, 2019 and works past April 1, 2021, the employee will be taxed the full amount in calendar year 2021. The forgiven amount will be considered as taxable income that year and subject to all applicable state and federal income tax withholding and employee FICA tax. State disability insurance (SDI), and PST (if applicable) and FICA taxes will be deducted from the employee’s first paycheck on/after 18 months from the initial disbursement. Because the full amount of the housing assistance is reported as wage on the annual Form W2, employees may have additional state and federal income taxes due at the time of tax filing. Employees may wish to consult their tax advisor for more information about how the housing assistance may impact their tax filing.
If the employee separates from the County before April 1, 2021, the employee will have to repay the full amount. Employees who receive assistance and leave County employment less than 18 months from the initial disbursement will have to repay the full amount they were provided within six (6) months of separation.