Property tax relief is available
Star-Bulletin staff
The city urges homeowners to apply for property tax relief programs by the Monday deadline.
The home exemption, which reduces the real property tax by deducting property value before the tax amount is calculated, continues annually unless there is a change in status in ownership or use. There is no income requirement for the home exemption. However, homeowners can apply for this break only for their principal home.
People older than 75 who qualify for the home exemption and whose total household income falls under certain income levels can also apply for the so-called "in lieu of" home exemption. This program also continues annually, but homeowners must refile based on their age category, which also affects exemption levels.
More information is available at www.honolulu.gov/rpa or by calling 527-5511 or 768-3169.
For county tax credits, in their second year, homeowners need to reapply annually to receive the tax break.
This credit can also reduce the real property tax and is available only for households where the combined income of all titleholders does not exceed $50,000.
For more information on county tax credit, including applications and instructions, call 523-4856 or visit the Division of Treasury in Honolulu Hale, any satellite city hall or online at www.honolulu.gov/budget/treasury_division.htm.