Nebraska organization working to educate seniors about property tax relief program

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – In a couple weeks, a statewide volunteer group will begin a media blitz to get the word out on how senior citizens in Nebraska can save money on their property taxes.

Officials with Volunteers Assisting Seniors say they’ve planned an awareness campaign, using billboards, radio, and newspapers, alerting senior citizens to the possibility of tax savings if they apply for the state’s homestead exemption program.

The Minne Lusa Neighborhood is an historic part of Omaha, and like other neighborhoods in the metro, property taxes are on the rise.

Barb Peters and her husband have applied for the homestead exemption for a few years now, and it’s saving them money.

“This time, when I paid my taxes, I probably paid $1,700 less than I would have if I paid the full amount,” said Barb. “Even in our Minne Lusa neighborhood, the taxes have started going up because real estate values are going up, so that increases taxes and when you’re retired, it’s hard to budget that. The budget only goes so far.”

But there are many senior homeowners who are unaware of the homestead exemption, or they know about it and don’t apply because they don’t think they’d qualify.

“A couple making $62,000 might still qualify for up to 10 percent of property tax relief,” said Toni Roberts, the Executive Director of Volunteers Assisting Seniors.

Toni says the program works, and they have helped many older homeowners save money.

“Through that program, last year we were able to help over 900 people,” Toni said. “900 people made appointments and 800 people were submitted an application for assistance. We helped primarily senior homeowners in Douglas County save approximately $1.75 million in property tax relief.”

Toni says it only takes a few minutes for seniors to find out if they qualify. Barb thinks the time investment is well worth it.

“There could be people who would get a bigger discount than I did because again, it’s income driven,” said Barb.

Volunteers Assisting Seniors will even help homeowners fill out the paperwork. The organization plans a series of community meetings across the Omaha metro to explain the homestead exemption. Those meetings begin April 15.

For more information, visit their website or call 402-444-6671.

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