By Staff Reports
(LĪHU‘E) – County officials are reminding the public that the deadline to file for homeowners’ exemptions for the next taxable year is Sept. 30, 2014.
“I encourage homeowners that qualify for any of the home exemptions to apply by the deadline. It could result in significant savings,” said Finance Director Steven Hunt. “If anyone has questions, please contact our office as soon as possible.”
The list of homeowners’ exemptions include:
– Basic home exemption — Homeowners or recorded lessees up to 60-years-old are eligible for a single home exemption of $160,000.
– Additional age exemption — Homeowners between 60 and 70 years-old are eligible for an additional exemption, increasing the basic to $180,000 and $200,000 for those over age 70.
– Additional home exemption based on income – Homeowners that qualify for a basic home exemption may also be eligible for an additional $120,000 exemption if their annual gross income does not exceed the 2013 qualified gross income ceiling of $56,000. If the total amount of exemptions meets or exceeds the net taxable assessment for 2014, then the minimum tax assessed shall be $50 in year 2014 or $75 in subsequent qualified years.
– Home preservation limit – A homeowner who meets the criteria in subsection 5A-11A.2 (c) shall pay real property taxes equal to three percent of his or her total gross income or $500, whichever is higher.
– Disability exemption – An exemption of up to $50,000 is available to homeowners who are completely blind or deaf or who have Hansen’s disease. This exemption is in addition to the basic and multiple home exemptions.
– Totally disabled veteran exemption — If you are a totally disabled veteran due to injuries sustained while on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces, your home is exempted from all real property taxes, except for the minimum tax of $100.
Applications for the homeowners’ exemptions can be downloaded from the county website at www.kauaipropertytax.com.
Applications can also be picked up at the Real Property Assessment office located in the Līhu’e Civic Center, Kapulē Building or at any neighborhood center on the island.
For more information about real property exemptions, please go to www.kauaipropertytax.com or call the Real Property Assessment Division at 241-4224.