Nebraska Property Tax

Homestead exemption applications may be filed at the local county assessor’s office from February 2nd through June 30th. Since February 2, 2008 falls on a Saturday, applications may be filed beginning Monday February 4, 2008 and no later than June 30, 2008 at the county assessor’s office.

What is the assessment process?

Between January 1 and March 19 of each year, the assessor updates and revises the real property assessment roll. After March 19 and on or before June 1, the assessor shall implement adjustments to real property values for actions of the Tax Equalization and Review Commission. On or before June 1, the assessor shall notify by first class mail, the owner of record as of May 20 of every item of real property that has been assessed at a value different than in the previous year. Immediately upon completion of the assessment roll, the assessor shall publish a certification in a newspaper of general circulation that the real property assessment roll is complete and notices of valuation changes have been mailed and provide the final date for filing protests with the county board of equalization.

Homestead exemption applications may be filed at the local county assessor’s office from February 2nd through June 30th. Since February 2, 2008 falls on a Saturday, applications may be filed beginning Monday February 4, 2008 and no later than June 30, 2008 at the countyassessor’s office.

A homestead exemption provides relief from property taxes by exempting all or a portion of the valuation of the homestead from taxation. The state of Nebraska reimburses the counties and other governmental subdivisions for the taxes lost due to homestead exemptions.

In Nebraska, a homestead exemption is available to three groups of persons:

a) persons over age 65;
b) certain disabled individuals; or
c) certain disabled veterans and their widow(er)s.

Each category is subject to household income limitations. Information about the homestead exemption program including maximum value and maximum exemption requirements is available on the Nebraska Department of Revenue’s website:

www.revenue.ne.gov/homestead.htm.

For more information on homestead exemption, please contact your county assessor’s office, or Mark Rosenberg at the Nebraska Department of Revenue toll free at 1-877-339-0631, ext. 5882.

What if the property owner disagrees with the assessment of his/her real property?

Persons who disagree with the assessment of their property may protest the assessment. All protests must be filed with the county clerk on or before June 30. If June 30 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the protest will be considered timely filed on the next business day. If a protest is not timely filed it will automatically be dismissed. The protest must be signed by protester. Filed in triplicate, contain a description of the property and a written statement of the reason why the requested change in assessment should be made. Failure to state the reason(s) for the protest, or the description of the property will result in an automatic dismissal of the protest.

When does the county board of equalization review the protests?

On or before June 1 and on or before July 25 the county board of equalization reviews and decides the protests, or on or before August 10 if the county has adopted a resolution to extend the deadline for hearing protests. If July 25, or August 10 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the board must meet on the previous business day. The county board of equalization has the authority to appoint referees to hear the protests, but the county board makes the final determination. No hearing shall be held before a single commissioner or supervisor. If an owner requests a reduction in valuation, the owner waives notice of an increase in the valuation should the county board of equalization find the real property to be undervalued.