20,000 more Nebraskans 65+ qualify for property tax relief

Fortunately for thousands of older Nebraskans, more property tax relief is on the way. The Nebraska Legislature approved a measure this session broadening the income eligibility for the homestead exemption.

LB 986 extends property tax relief to an additional 20,000 homeowners age 65 and older and increases the amount of relief for an additional 10,000 people. The bill is estimated to bring $4.6 million in homestead exemptions to older Nebraskans.

“Property taxes are considered by many retirees in Nebraska to be the most burdensome tax,” said Bob Eppler, state president of AARP Nebraska. “Over the years, AARP has successfully pushed for changes in the homestead exemption to provide more help to seniors on fixed incomes. Passage of LB 986 was one of AARP’s most important legislative priorities this year.”

Single homeowners with a household income up to $39,500 and married homeowners with income up to $46,900 now qualify for at least a partial homestead exemption.

Since medical expenses can be deducted from household income, many Nebraska seniors with significant healthcare costs will qualify at even higher total incomes.

“With this change, AARP encourages taxpayers who are single with incomes up to $50,000 and married couples with incomes up to $60,000 to take a serious look at the homestead exemption,” Eppler said.

The change in law applies to homestead exemptions filed this year and future years. The deadline to file is June 30. For more information and application forms, contact your county assessor’s office or  download online.

If people have already filed this year, they don’t need to file a new application.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/SilviaJansen