Tax-Aide Expands Assistance to Nebraska Homeowners
Source: AARP.org | February 1, 2005
Are you on a limited income and struggling with high property taxes? AARP Tax-Aide volunteers can now help you apply for the homestead exemption to get relief from all or a part of your property taxes.
If you are over 65 or disabled and have an income below $40,000 for a couple or $35,000 for an individual, you may be paying too much property tax. And depending on your situation, you may not have to pay any property tax at all.
AARP Tax-Aide is launching a first-year effort during the 2005 tax season to raise awareness of this important state program for seniors on limited incomes and offer one-on-one assistance to homeowners, said AARP Tax-Aide State Coordinator Dorothy High of Scottsbluff.
High noted that the number of Nebraskans applying for homestead exemptions has fallen in recent years.
"It appears that many homeowners who qualify for the homestead exemption are not receiving it because they may not realize they are eligible," she said.
Tax-Aide volunteers can help determine if a homeowner qualifies for the exemption and assist them in completing the application between Feb. 1 and April 15.
"Since we help many of these individuals with their state and federal income tax returns at our tax preparation sites, this is an opportunity to reach out to them on the homestead exemption too," High added. "For some older Nebraskans who can't afford their property tax bill, this program may help them stay in their homes."
For FREE assistance with the homestead exemption and your state and federal income taxes, call AARP Tax-Aide toll-free at 1-888-227-7669 to find a site near you. Homestead exemption forms must be submitted to the County Assessor on or before June 30. The County Assessor also has forms and may be able to provide assistance in filing for the homestead exemption.
AARP Tax-Aide is administered through the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service.
preview