The county of Kauai has released the real property tax rates for the 2015/2016 fiscal year. These dollars help to fund vital services in our communities such as fire and police protection, street maintenance and lighting, water, sewer and refuse collection, and recreational facilities and activities. The County of Kauai could not operate without the real property tax as approximately 45% of every revenue dollar collected comes from this source.

HOMEOWNERS EXEMPTIONS - As a property owner you should be aware that there are homeowner exemptions which can reduce your net taxable value providing you occupy the property as your principal residence on September 30 preceding the tax year. These home exemptions are:

BASIC HOME EXEMPTION – Homeowners not 60 years of age will be eligible for a single home exemption of $160,000.

ADDITIONAL AGE EXEMPTION – This exemption was established to help senior citizens living on fixed retirement incomes. Homeowners between the ages of 60 and 70 are eligible for additional exemption amounts, where the Basic Exemption is increased to $180,000. For homeowners over 70 years, additional exemption amount is $200,000.

ADDITIONAL HOME EXEMPTION BASED ON INCOME – Real Property which qualifies for the Basic Home Exemption and/or Additional Age Exemption may be entitled to an additional exemption of up to $120,000 provided the annual gross income of the owner-occupant(s), does not exceed the qualified Gross Income ceiling for that year.  The gross income will change each January 1; contact the Real Property Assessment office for the current amount for the next taxable year.  YOU MUST APPLY ANNUALLY FOR THIS ADDITIONAL EXEMPTION.

TOTALLY DISABLED VETERAN EXEMPTION – If you are a totally disabled vet—due to injuries received while on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces, your home is exempted from all real property taxes, except the minimum tax of $100.00.

DISABILITY EXEMPTION – Special exemptions of up to $50,000 are also available for property owners who are totally disabled, blind, deaf, or who are Hansen’s Disease sufferers. This special exemption is in addition to the basic and multiple home exemptions.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Sept 30: Deadline for filing exemption claims and recordation of ownership documents
Oct 1: Assessment set for use during next tax year
Dec 1: Assessment notices mailed
Dec 31: Deadline for assessment appeals
Jan 20: Second half year tax bills mailed
Feb. 20: Second half tax year payment is due
Mar 31: Certified assessment roll to County Council
June 20: Tax Rate set by County Council
July 1: Tax Year Commences, Deadline for filing dedication petitions
July 20: First half year tax bills mailed
Aug. 20: First half tax payments due