Determination of eligible homesteads for the Homestead Property Tax Credit program in Platte County has been officially approved.
Approval of the eligible parcels was done by the Platte County Commission on Monday.
Platte County voters had overwhelmingly approved the Homestead Property Tax Credit program at an election in April, with 79 percent of voters in favor to only 21 percent opposed.
The approved ballot question asked “Shall the County of Platte grant a homestead property tax credit to eligible taxpayers residing in such county in an amount equal to the taxpayer’s eligible credit amount?”
The measure caps annual tax increases for all primary homeowners at five percent or the rate of inflation.
Wes Minder, county administrator, said this week that the county has more than 20,000 properties that are eligible for the Homestead Tax Credit. No application process is necessary, county officials have said.
“Homestead” applies to real property actually occupied by an eligible taxpayer as the primary residence including all property within such parcel. An eligible taxpayer shall not claim more than one primary residence.
Joe Vanover, second district commissioner, said since it was approved by voters the Homestead Act is a mandatory program.
“Hopefully the collector’s office can make this happen this year,” he said.
State statute says it “shall be in effect.”
Vanover said it is the county collector’s office that shall apply the credit to tax statements. The amount of the credit shall be noted on the statement of tax due.
“The duty now passes on to the county collector’s office. Our county administrator has worked with staff to come up with the homesteads,” Vanover said.
The county commission order approved this week states “the Platte County administrator shall make public the determination of eligible taxpayers and homesteads in a manner which most efficiently notifies the interested partes in a timely fashion. Any taxpayer may appeal the determination of their homestead tax credit eligibility directly to the Platte County Commission.
“For good cause shown, the Platte County Commission may change the determination and correct the eligibility status of the taxpayer and homestead. Appeals must be received prior to Sept. 11.
“Appeals must provide proof that the determination is incorrect. Taxpayers may voluntarily withdraw their homestead from eligibility by written, signed notice to the Platte County Commission.”
The order goes on to state:
“Platte County shall apply such credit when calculating the eligible taxpayer’s property tax liability for the tax year. The amount of the credit shall be noted on the statement of the tax due sent to the eligible taxpayer by the county collector.”
