Utility Users Tax Refund Claim

To Qualify


To qualify for a refund, you must be the person whose name appears on the utility bills and the total Gross income of everyone in your household must have been less that $8,700 during the last calendar year or income tax year. Download the Refund Form (PDF).

Refund Allowable


The law gives you the right to a refund of Utility Users' taxes paid, but not more than $30 if you qualify.

Your Claim


Your claim is to be filed with the City of Modesto Finance Department, located at 1010 10th Street, Suite 2100, or mailed to P.O. Box 642, Modesto, CA 95353, during the period January 1, through April 15, for the Utility Users' Taxes paid during the past twelve-month period ending on December 31. no claim can be accepted if filed or postmarked later than April 15. Answer all questions and fill in the blanks. print clearly in ink.

Names of Other Household Members


List the name, relationship and age of every person who was a member of your household during your last Federal or State income tax reporting period. If none, so indicate. Household members include your spouse (if living with you) and everyone qualified as a dependent for income tax purposes. Be sure to include the income of all of these household members with your income in Part III of the claim form.

Part II: Answer Questions A & B



Part III: Household Income


List all household income received during your last Federal or State income tax reporting period.

Household income is your income and the income of all household members listed in Part I of the claim form from salary or wages, tips, fees, charges, together with the net income (except that income shall not include Medicare benefits, Medicaid benefits, gifts of food and gifts between members of the household, the receipt of surplus food or other relief in kind supplied by a governmental agency) from all sources of all kinds, including but not limited to:
  • Alimony
  • Annuities
  • Cash Public Assistance and Relief
  • Gifts
  • Insurance Benefits of All Kinds (Other Than Medical)
  • Interest On Securities (Including Tax-free Interest On Governmental Securities)
  • Pensions
  • Realized Capital Gains
  • Social Security
  • Support Money
  • Unemployment Insurance Income
  • Workers' Compensation (Not Including Medical Benefits)

Proof of Payment


The paid bills must support total utility users' taxes paid. Please send the entire bill. If the name and address are missing, payment will not be made. Utility companies have no obligation to make or furnish, for refund purposes, proof of utility taxes due or paid. When you bring or mail your claim to the Finance Department, the receipts will be returned to you through the mail.

Questions regarding eligibility, income, etc., should be directed to the Finance Department / Utility Refund. The telephone number is 209-577-5395.