Lancaster County presenter explains Nebraska homestead exemption and June 30 filing steps

A presenter from the Lancaster County Assessor/Register of Deeds office walked first-time filers through Nebraskas homestead exemption, the documents needed to apply and the June 30 filing deadline, saying the benefit can reduce property taxes for eligible homeowners.

The presenter said the program can provide a full or partial exemption depending on qualifications and eligibility. "A homestead includes the house or mobile home that you live in. It also includes up to 1 acre of land surrounding your home," the presenter explained while defining what the program covers.

Who can benefit: The office listed several qualifying groups: seniors 65 or older; veterans with non-service-connected disabilities; individuals with permanent mobility or developmental disabilities; veterans with 100% service-connected permanent disability; surviving spouses of veterans; and certain temporarily disabled veterans. The presenter noted that some categories must meet household income limits while others do not.

Income rules: For income-based categories, household income is calculated using federal adjusted gross income plus Social Security (even if not taxable), certain interest and dividend income, retirement income and some tax adjustments. The presenter added that if a closely related co-owner (for example a parent, sibling or spouse) lives in the home and is also an owner, that persons income is counted. The presenter noted that high medical or dental expenses may be deductible when calculating eligibility.

Forms and documents: Applicants must file Form 458; those claiming by income must also submit Schedule I; applicants claiming by disability should submit Form 458b. Veterans claiming a disability must provide a letter certifying disability from the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs. The presenter said applicants should file the forms with the County Assessor/Register of Deeds office.

Where and when to file: The presenter repeated the annual filing deadline: applications must be filed with the County Assessor/Register of Deeds office by June 30 each year. Forms are available on the assessors website, can be mailed by the office on request, or completed in person at the office.

What happens after filing: The presenter described the review process: "Once you submit your application, both the county assessor's office and the state of Nebraska will review it. If the application is approved, your property taxes will be reduced by the applicable percentage amount and the state will reimburse the county for that reduction," the presenter said. Applicants will be notified if approved or if more information is required. The County Treasurers Office issues real estate tax statements toward the end of the year and the first half of any remaining taxes is due March 31.

Key reminders: Only one exemption is allowed per property; the home must be the applicants primary residence between January 1 and August 15; the owners name must appear on the deed; if the property is held in a trust applicants must provide a copy of the trust. The presenter urged filers to confirm they are applying under the correct category and to include required income documentation when applicable.

Contact and next steps: For assistance the presenter gave an email address (assessorlancaster.ne dot gov), the assessors website (lancaster.ne.gov) and office hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday). The presentation closed with an offer of help for applicants preparing forms.