Property tax reductions for tornado damage
Property owners who had homes or buildings damaged by the May 22 tornado may be eligible for some property tax reductions for 2011 and 2012. Assessors have evaluated the damage on all property in the disaster area and determined which properties qualify. Notices have been sent to property owners.
Since the first half of 2011 taxes are already paid, an adjustment to the second half taxes will be calculated. If the 2011 taxes are paid in full, a refund check will be sent to qualifying property owners. For 2012, a tax credit will be given to qualifying property owners.
The qualifications depend on:
- whether a property is homestead or non-homestead,
- the percent of structural damage to the house, garage or building(s), and
- whether the property located inside the declared disaster area or outside of it.
Homestead properties
- Any homestead properties that suffered significant damage (see below) from the tornado are eligible for property tax reductions.
- Owners of these properties need to complete a property tax abatement application by Monday, Sept. 19. Applications were sent to these property owners along with the notice that they meet the requirements for this tax reduction.
Non-homestead properties
- Owners of non-homestead properties are eligible for property tax reductions ONLY if the damage was determined to be more than 50 percent.
- To take advantage of a property tax reduction, owners of non-homestead properties with more than 50 percent damage to the buildings need to complete a property tax abatement application by Monday, Sept. 19 Applications were sent to these property owners along with the notice that they meet the requirements for this tax reduction.
- Owners of non-homestead properties who believe the tornado damage to the structures on their property are more than 50 percent can call 311 and ask to be connected to the appraiser assigned to their property.
What qualifies as damage?
Assessors take into consideration all damages to homes and garages (including detached). Damage does NOT include fallen trees, sidewalks and damage to landscape.
Last updated Dec. 6, 2011