Nevada provides for property tax exemptions for certain qualifying individuals including surviving spouses, veterans, disabled veterans, and blind persons. The exemptions are expressed in assessed value amounts. The assessed value for property tax purposes in Nevada is 35% of the taxable value. property tax rates vary by location in Nevada, so the assessed value exemption can result in a different property tax reduction based on the rate in your location.
Exemptions
According to the Clark County Assessor, the surviving spouse exemption is $1,160 of the assessed value and the blind exemption is $3,480. Veterans can qualify for an exemption of $2,320, and veterans who have a permanent service-connected disability of at least 60% can claim an exemption that ranges from $11,600 up to $23,200, depending on the degree of disability.
To claim any of these exemptions you should fill out the form and submit the documentation required by your county tax assessor. For example, a surviving spouse would have to complete an Affidavit of Surviving Spouse and provide a copy of the spouse’s death certificate. A blind person would complete an Affidavit of Blind Person and provide a certificate from a licensed physician. Veterans complete the Affidavit of Veteran and provide a copy of their discharge document or proof of service if still serving. Disabled veterans would complete an Affidavit of Disabled Veteran and provide a copy of their discharge document and a certificate from the Department of Veterans Affairs showing the service-connected disability.
You should contact your local county tax assessor to find out the procedure for claiming these exemptions. You can find links to the county tax assessor websites on the Nevada Department of Taxation website.
Seniors
Nevada residents age 62 or older who have household income below a certain amount can qualify for property tax assistance. This assistance is for both homeowners who pay property taxes directly and renters who pay property taxes indirectly through their rent. Mobile homes also qualify for this assistance. The refund is a portion of the property taxes or rent paid, based on income, and ranges from $5.00 to $500.00 per year.
The household income limit is adjusted each year and is $28,677 for applications filed in 2010 based on 2009 income. To qualify, the assessed value of your home must not be more than $200,000 and you must have lived in the residence continuously from at least July 1 of the preceding year to the date you file a claim for a refund.
The Senior Citizens Property Tax Assistance is a statewide program administered by the Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division. You can get an application form from your county tax assessor and file your claim between February 1 and April 30.
Renewable energy systems
If you install a renewable energy system at your home in Nevada, such as a solar, wind, or geothermal system to heat or cool your home or your water, or to generate electricity, the value that the system adds to your home is exempt from property tax.
Removing barriers for disabled persons
The valor of improvements you make to your residence to remove barriers to persons with disabilities are exempt from property tax in Nevada. These improvements include permanent ramps leading to entrances, elevators installed in stairwells, handrails in and around the residence, and enlarged bathrooms and kitchens and any special equipment installed. To claim this exemption you need to file an affidavit with your county tax assessor.
Sources:
Affidavit of Blind Person – Clark County Assessor
Affidavit of Disabled Veteran – Clark County Assessor
Affidavit of Surviving Spouse – Clark County Assessor
Affidavit of Veteran – Clark County Assessor
Chapter 361 – Property Tax – Nevada State Legislature
The Exemption Program – Clark County Assessor
Nevada Property Tax – Nevada Department of Taxation
Senior Tax Assistance/Rent Rebate Program – Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division
Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption – Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Reference:
- Nevada Property Tax: Elements and Application: tax.state.nv.us/DOAS_FORMS/2009%20Elements%20and%20Application.pdf
- Understanding Nevada’s Property Tax System: www.nevadataxpayers.org/pdf/property-tax-2000.pdf
