If you own and occupy a home as your primary residence on Hawaiʻi Island, you may qualify for Hawaiʻi County's Homeowner Exemption. Filing for this exemption can help reduce the taxable value of your property and potentially lower your annual property tax bill.
How to File
To apply for the Homeowner Exemption, homeowners generally need to:
- Confirm eligibility: Make sure you own and occupy the property as your principal residence and meet the County's requirements.
- Complete the application: Fill out the required Home Exemption application form.
- Provide supporting documents: Submit any required documentation, which may include proof of ownership, residency, or other information requested by the County.
- Submit by the applicable deadline: The filing deadlines for the homeowner application are June 30 and December 31. The date you file determines when the tax benefit begins:
- File January 1 through June 30: The tax benefit begins the following January 1.
- File July 1 through December 31: The tax benefit begins the following July 1.
Important to Know
The Homeowner Exemption is not automatically granted simply because you own a home. Eligible homeowners must complete the application process and meet the County's requirements. If you recently purchased a property or changed your primary residence, be sure to check whether you need to file a new application.
For current application forms, eligibility requirements, and deadlines, visit the County of Hawaiʻi Real Property Tax Office.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Requirements, exemption amounts, and deadlines may change. Please consult the County of Hawaiʻi Real Property Tax Office for the most current information regarding your specific situation.