If you would like assistance filling out your Homestead Exemption forms you may call (402) 597-6659
If you need an application or further assistance please call our office at (402) 444-7060 Option 2
Click here for Nebraska State Guide on Homestead Exemption
Haga clic aquí para el Estado de Nebraska Guía de Homestead Exemption
Click here for the deductible medical expenses worksheet
Blank Homestead Forms
Homestead Exemptions
Homestead exemptions provide relief from property taxes by exempting all or a portion of the valuation of a home from taxation. The State of Nebraska reimburses the counties and governmental subdivisions for taxes lost due to homestead exemptions. The percentage of relief is based on the applicant's income level and home valuation.
Who Can Qualify For Homestead Exemptions
In order to qualify, you must first fall within one of the following categories.
Group #1 - Seniors
- Be 65 years of age or older before January 1st of the application year.
Group #2 - Disabled Individuals
- Have a permanent physical disability and cannot walk without the regular use of a mechanical aide or prosthesis.
- Have undergone amputation of both arms above the elbows.
- Have a permanent partial disability of both arms in excess of 75%
Group #3 - Disabled Veterans or Widow(er)
- A wartime veteran drawing compensation from the VA due to a 100% service connected disability.
- An unremarried widow/widower of an above qualified veteran.
- A wartime veteran totally disabled due to a non-service connected illness or accident.
- A veteran whose home is substantially contributed to by the VA.
Other Qualifications
- The valuation of the home cannot exceed 200% (220% for veterans and persons with qualifying disabilities) of the County's average assessed value for single family residences. (Last year the average assessed value was $146,765)
- The maximum exemption available is 100% of the County's average assessed value for single family residences (120% for disabled veterans and persons with qualifying disabilities).
- The home must be owned and occupied between January 1 and August 15 of the tax year being exempted.
- The applicants must meet the income guidelines outlined below:
How to Apply For Homestead Exemptions
Homestead applications must be filed with the county assessor after February 1 and on or before June 30 of each year. Current homestead recipients will receive an application by mail.
New applicants have two ways they can get a Homestead Exemption application in Douglas County. They may stop in at the Douglas County Assessor's Office, located at 1819 Farnam St, 4th Floor Civic Center, Omaha Ne, 68183 (see home page for Map and Directions). Or they can call the office at (402)444-7060 option 2 and an application will be mailed.
In addition to filing by mail or in person at the Assessor's Office, remote sites are scheduled throughout the county at a variety of locations during the filing period. Volunteers working at these Assessor help sites will assist applicants with their forms. Please have all of your income and medical expense information with you when you arrive.
IF YOU DO NOT BRING IN YOUR INCOME AND OUT OF POCKET MEDICAL EXPENSE INFORMATION, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HELP YOU FILL OUT THE EXEMPTION FORM.
Important Information When Filing:
When you file for a Homestead Exemption, you will need the following information (if applicable):
Income
- Federal Income Tax return (if filed, Form 1040, 1040A, 1040 EZ)
- Social Security (Form SSA-1099)
- Pension and annuities (Form 1099-R)
- Interest and dividends (Form 1099-INT, Form 1099-DIV, Form 1099-OID)
- Railroad retirement (Tier I - RRB-1099 and Tier II - RRB-1099-R)
- IRA distributions (Form 1099-R)
Deductible Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses
- Medicare insurance premiums
- Medicare prescription drug plan premiums
- Supplemental health insurance premiums
- Cancer insurance policy premiums
- Nursing home insurance policy premiums
- Payments to hospitals or licensed nursing care facilities
- Payments to doctors, dentists, osteopaths, nurses, chiropractors, and other licensed medical practitioners
- Payments for purchased medical equipment, crutches, hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses, dentures, etc.
- Prescription drug expenses (call your pharmacy for a total)
2013 HOMESTEAD ASSISTANCE LOCATIONS
Applications are due July 1, 2013.
Married applicants must report income for both spouses. Additional owner/occupants must each file a separate income statement. An income eligibility table is located on this webpage.
Please remember that your 2013 application will be for taxes payable in 2014. You will still be responsible for taxes over and above your homestead exemption amount if granted.
If you move during the eligibility period (January 1st through August 15th) you may transfer your homestead exemption to your new property. Contact our office for details or download Form 458T (located on the left hand side of the screen).
If you need assistance filling out your Homestead Exemption forms, please call the Homestead Questions Helpline at (402) 597-6659. If you need an appllication, or if you have further questions, please contact our office at (402) 444-7060 Option 2.