Homeowners with Exemptions Reminded to File State Tax Returns

Homeowner Exemption reminder. Maui Now graphic.

The Department of Finance, Real Property Assessment Division, would like to remind homeowners that due to a change in requirements, those residents who have qualified for exemptions in the past must now file a state resident income tax form or risk being disqualified.

The Maui County Council changed the requirements in 2012 to ensure that those homeowners receiving exemption were in-state residents. To remind homeowners about the filing, today (Dec. 5) the county sent out a Real Property Home Exemption Disallowance Notice to everyone who may have not filed a 2014 State of Hawaiʻi resident income tax for the current 2016 assessment year.

Failure to file a 2014 State of Hawaiʻi Resident income tax disqualifies residents from receiving an exemption. In order for the home exemption for the upcoming 2017 tax year, your 2015 State of Hawaiʻi resident income tax return must be filed by December 31, 2016.

The following will not be accepted as proof of qualification: An amended 2015 State of Hawaiʻi resident income tax return filed after Dec. 31, 2016, as well as non-resident and part-year resident income tax returns.

Any person who has been allowed an exemption has a duty to report to the assessor within 30 days after they case to qualify for such an exemption. Failure to do so will be cause for disqualification and subject to penalty.

Property owners who receive a notice are encourages to review the letter carefully and contact the division at (808) 270-7297 for more information.