EXEMPTIONS

OWNER OCCUPIED EXEMPTION: Homeowners must live in and own the home as of January 1st of the assessment year in which they are applying. There is no age requirement on this exemption. The owner is required to notify their local assessing official or the Supervisor of Assessments Office of their residency. Once the exemption is applied, it will remain on until a change of residency or ownership occurs. No annual renewal is required. The amount of this exemption is up to $5,000 maximum based on the increase in assessment from the 1977 equalized assessed value. For 2008 payable 2009 this exemption will increase to $5,500.

SENIOR CITIZEN’S HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION: Homeowners must be 65 years of age or older within the assessment year in which they are applying. They must own and reside in the home as of January 1st of the assessment year in which they are applying. First time applicants must provide legal documentation of how they obtained ownership to the property (deed, will, etc). Renewals are required annually and must be completed between January 1st and May 1st of each assessment year. The amount of this exemption is $3,500 for the 2007 tax year. It will increase to $4,000 for 2008.

SENIOR CITIZEN’S ASSESSMENT FREEZE: Homeowner must be 65 years of age or older in the year in which they are applying. They must have lived in and owned the home for two consecutive January firsts and have a total household income of $55,000 or less. The applicant must be able to provide proof of income and a completed application form. Annual application of this exemption is required by July 1st of each assessment year. The Assessment Freeze exempts any increase in assessed value over the base year assessment (set upon first applying for the exemption).

HOME IMPROVEMENT EXEMPTION: Homeowners must own and live in the home as of January 1st of the assessment year in which they are applying. The exemption requires that the improvement must add additional square footage to existing living area. Such as, but not limited to, garages, decks, room additions, patios, etc. Owners must file upon completion of the improvement. When applying for this exemption, homeowners must provide the following information: type of improvement, size/square footage of improvement, date of completion, and estimated cost of construction. This is a four year exemption from tax on the improvement starting on the date of completion. The maximum amount of this exemption is $75,000 market value or $25,000 assessed.

RETURNING VETERANS’ EXEMPTION: This exemption provides a one time $5,000 reduction in the property’s equalized assessed value to qualifying veterans who return from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States. To receive this exemption, the veteran must file an application upon their return home.

DISABLED VETERANS’ STANDARD EXEMPTION: This exemption provides for a reduction in a property’s equalized assessed value to a qualifying property owned by a veteran with a service connected disability certified by the United State Department of Veteran’s Affairs. A $2,500 exemption is available to a veteran with a service connected disability of at least 50% but less than 75% or a $5,000 exemption for veterans with a service connected disability of 75% or greater. Application must be filed by July 1 of each assessment year.

DISABLED PERONS’ EXEMPTION: This exemption provides a $2,000 reduction in a property’s equalized assessed value to a qualifying property owned by a disabled person. Proof of disability must be provided. Application must be filed by July 1 of each assessment year.

**Click on “Links” from the home page to access application forms for each of these exemptions.