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While the Webster County Assessor's Office has nothing to do with setting or collecting property taxes, it is the place to look for available property tax exemptions and credits.
Homestead Tax Credit
One of the easiest tax credits to apply for is the Homestead Tax Credit. Iowans who own their home and the land it sits on can qualify for this tax credit. The homeowner also needs to be a resident of Iowa and actually live on the property on July 1 and for at least six months every year.
Homeowners who are in the military or live in nursing homes and do not occupy the home are also eligible for this tax credit.
According to the Iowa Department of Revenue's website, the current Homestead Tax Credit is "equal to the actual tax levy on the first $4,850 of actual value." The claim for this tax credit must be filed on or before July 1 and does not need to be refiled annually as long as the homeowner does not move or sell the property.
Iowa residents who are disabled veterans can also qualify for a Homestead Credit. The current credit for disabled veterans is equal to 100 percent of the actual levy.
To be eligible, the homeowner must be a veteran with a permanent service-connected disability rating of 100 percent or a veteran with a permanent and total disability rating based on individual unemployability paid at the 100 percent disability rate.
The credit has the same occupancy requirements as the Homestead Tax Credit.
A surviving spouse or child of a disabled veteran who is receiving dependency and indemnity compensation also qualifies.
Military Service Tax Exemption
Iowa also offers a Military Service Tax Exemption that reduces the taxable value of property for military veterans. According to the Webster County Assessor's website, those eligible for this tax exemption include:
• Honorably discharged veterans who served for a minimum of 18 months (or less than 18 months because of a service-related injury)
• Former member or current member of Reserve Forces or the Iowa National Guard and has served at least 20 years
• A member of Reserve Forces or the Iowa National Guard who was activated for federal duty, not including training, for a minimum of 90 days
• A former member of the Reserve Forces whose enlistment would have occurred during the Korean Conflict but chose to serve five years in the Reserves
• Honorably discharged veteran who served in an eligible service period (See Iowa Code Chapter 35)
The amount of this exemption varies, according to the Department of Revenue.
Family Farm Credit
Lastly, families who own 10 acres or more of farmland that is farmed by the owner or designated family members can claim the Family Farm Credit. This credit must be filed by Nov. 1 and remains on file as long as the owner and designated family member farming the land do not change.
According to the Department of Revenue,"current law allows a credit for any general school fund tax in excess of $5.40 per $1,000 taxable value.
Property owners interested in filing for any of these tax credits or exemptions can visit the Webster County Assessor's Office on the second floor of the Webster County Courthouse to fill out the form.
A full list of available property tax exemptions and credits in Iowa can be found at https://tax.iowa.gov/tax-credits-and-exemptions.