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As 2024 comes to an end, the Saline County Appraiser's Office reminds residents about state property tax relief programs that may apply to them. If you think you may qualify for one of these programs, consult your tax preparer.
The statewide school general fund exemption for residential properties applies to all residential class properties. This exemption covers the first $75,000 of appraised valuation and applies to the statewide 20.000 mills for schools. No application is necessary, as the exemption is automatically deducted from the property tax bill. The tax reduction for this exemption can be up to $172.50.
Residents may apply for one of the following programs, but to qualify for a refund, you must complete a state income tax return. Even if you don’t usually file a tax return, the state form must be submitted to receive the refund. Claims can be filed after December 31 and no later than April 15.
The Homestead Refund program requires applicants to be Kansas residents for the entire year and homeowners. Applicants must also meet one of the following qualifications for the entire year: be 55 or older, be blind or permanently disabled, or have a dependent child under 18 living with them all year. Household income must be less than $40,500 to qualify. The maximum refund is $700, and the refund is issued as a credit on income taxes using Form K-40H.
The SAFESR program, which provides property tax relief for low-income seniors, requires applicants to be Kansas residents for the entire year and own a home in Kansas during 2024. Applicants must be 65 or older for all of 2024, with a household income less than $23,700. The home cannot be valued greater than $350,000. The maximum refund is 75% of the 2024 property taxes, and the refund is issued as a credit on income taxes using Form K-40PT.
The Golden Years Homestead Property Tax Freeze is available to Kansas residents who owned and occupied their homes for the entire year. Applicants must be 65 or older for the entire base year or be a disabled veteran with a 50% or greater permanent disability for both the base year and claim year. Household income must be less than $53,600, and the home cannot be valued greater than $350,000. The refund amount is the difference between the prior year and current year property taxes. This refund is issued as a credit on income taxes using Form K-40SVR.
For more information, check out the Saline County Appraiser's website here.