The Homestead Exemption in Nebraska

Nebraska's homestead exemption is a means-tested relief program for seven categories of owner-occupants, not all homeowners: (1) persons 65 or older; (2) veterans totally disabled by a non-service-connected accident or illness; (3) qualified individuals with a physical disability; (4V) veterans with a 100% service-connected permanent disability or a 100% individual unemployability rating; (4S) surviving spouses of qualified veterans; (5) veterans whose home was substantially contributed to by the VA, and their surviving spouses; (6) individuals with a developmental disability; and (7) veterans with a 100% service-connected temporary disability, and their surviving spouses. Categories 1, 2, 3 and 6 have income and home-value limits; categories 4V, 4S, 5 and 7 do not. The applicant must own the home and occupy it as a primary residence from January 1 through August 15. For homes at or above the county's maximum value, the exempt amount is reduced by 10% for each $2,500 over the maximum, and a home $20,000 or more over the maximum is not eligible. The state pays the exempted tax directly to the county treasurer.

File Form 458 (Nebraska Homestead Exemption Application) with the county assessor; categories 1, 2, 3 and 6 must also file Form 458 Schedule I (Income Statement). Categories 1, 2, 3, 4S, 5, 6 and 7 file every year; category 4V files only when first applying, after a change in status, and with VA certification in years ending in 0 or 5. Disability categories need Form 458B or VA certification as specified. County assessors mail preprinted applications to prior-year applicants in February. If you buy a new homestead before August 15, file Form 458T (Application for Transfer) with the new county's assessor by August 15.

File after February 1 and on or before June 30 (for 2026: after February 1, 2026 and on or before June 30, 2026). The county board may, on written request, extend the deadline to on or before July 20 (not for applicants who received an extension the prior year). Late filing until June 30 of the following year is allowed if the applicant's spouse died during the application year or a licensed medical practitioner certifies (Form 458L) that a medical condition prevented timely filing. With an approved federal income tax extension, Schedule I may be filed by the October 15 extension due date.