Property assessments for tax valuation purposes; lookup and mapping tool available online.

Homestead exemptions provide relief from property taxes by exempting all or a portion of the valuation of a home from taxation; the percentage of relief is based on the applicant's income level and home valuation; applications accepted by June 30 each year, some late applications may be accepted under certain conditions (medically incapacitated, in a residential care facility, etc.).

Exemptions eligibility requirements:

Seniors

-- Be 65 years of age or older before January 1st of the application year.

Disabled Individuals

-- Have a permanent physical disability and cannot walk without the regular use of a mechanical aide or prosthesis

-- Have undergone amputation of both arms above the elbows

-- Have a permanent partial disability of both arms in excess of 75%

Disabled Veterans or Widow(er) of a Qualified Veteran

-- A wartime veteran drawing compensation from the VA due to a 100% service connected disability

-- An un-remarried widow/widower of an above qualified veteran

- A wartime veteran totally disabled due to a non-service connected illness or accident

-- A veteran whose home is substantially contributed to by the VA

Other Qualifications

-- The valuation of the home cannot exceed 200% (225% for veterans and persons with qualifying disabilities) of the County's average assessed value for single family residences. (In 2017 the average assessed value was $159,840)

-- The maximum exemption available is 100% of the County's average assessed value for single family residences (120% for disabled veterans and persons with qualifying disabilities)

-- The home must be owned and occupied between January 1 and August 15 of the tax year being exempted

-- The applicants must meet the income guidelines

Maintains official real estate documents, contracts, articles of incorporation, partnerships, state tax liens, military records, birth, divorce and death records/certificates, and election information. Offers marriage licenses and accepts passportapplications with photo services, registers assumed names and notaries. Military Recordsfor tax exemptions and benefits also available.

Provides free legal advice, brief service and representation to low-income people on areas such as: consumer law, family law, housing law, public benefits, disability benefits, employment/unemployment, public benefits, clearing a criminal history and educational rights.

After contacting one of the hotlines, cases may be referred to Legal Aid local offices for extended representation.

Private Attorney Involvement Program links clients to attorneys in their local area for free legal services in family law matters.

Taxpayer clinics educate low-income taxpayers about their tax rights and responsibilities and how to file for low-income tax credit.

Homeless Assistance Project (Douglas and Lancaster Counties) provides assistance with family law, child support modification, bankruptcy, license revocation, and disability claims.

Migrant Worker program provides civil legal services to migrant farm workers.

Housing counseling assists people who are homeless by making referrals and assessing their legal needs. Assists renters who are having problems getting things fixed, need help with landlord issues, or are facing eviction; work with HUD issues; assist home buyers or home owners with questions, etc.

Assists in the following areas, in addition to the programs already noted: Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, Landlord-Tenant, Utility Shutoffs, Public Benefits, Unemployment, Family Law (including Divorce, Custody/Visitation, Child Support, Domestic Abuse).