Monday is Deadline for Property Tax Exemption Applications

Monday, July 1, is the deadline for applications from homeowners for various forms of real property tax exemptions.

The exemptions include:

• Homeowners
• Totally disabled veterans
• Blind, deaf and/or totally disabled persons
• Hansen’s disease patients

Applications for homeowner exemptions must be submitted by July 1 to take effect on Jan. 1, 2014. All the other exemptions take effect immediately.

A homeowner’s exemption may only be claimed for one’s principal residence.

The basic homeowner’s exemption will reduce the net taxable valuable of the property by $40,000. That increases to $80,000 for those age 60-69 and to $100,000 for those over 70.

Claiming a Hansen’s disease or disability exemption reduces the net taxable value by $50,000.

Those who are totally disabled veterans due to injuries received while on
active duty with the US Armed Forces are completely exempt
from property taxes, other than special assessments and the annual
minimum tax, or for portions of the property used for commercial purposes.

Those already enrolled in exemption programs need not re-apply as they are renewed automatically. However, changes in address, personal status or other qualifying circumstances must be reported to the county within 30 days.

For information or an application form visit the county Real Property Tax Offices in Hilo or Kona or www.hawaiipropertytax.com.