Property taxes getting you down?

Thousands of older Nebraskans qualify for a break on their property taxes but may not know it. AARP Nebraska urges homeowners age 65 plus to take a close look at the homestead exemption since the law was changed in 2014 to cover more people.

The Nebraska Legislature last year approved a measure extending property tax relief to an estimated 20,000 more homeowners age 65 and over and increased the amount of relief for an additional 10,000 people. The changes are expected 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. Easing their property tax burden continues to be a top legislative concern for AARP.”

Single homeowners with an income up to $40,101 and couples with income up to $47,601 qualify for at least a partial homestead exemption in 2015.

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

“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 deadline to file for the homestead exemption is June 30. For more information and application forms, contact your county assessor’s office or visit the Nebraska Department of Revenue.