LUSK- Niobrara County Assessor Teri Stephens reminds Veterans to come into her office to sign up for their veteran exemption if they have not done so yet.  Stephens stated that in order to qualify, veterans must have received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or its equivalent; or been in active duty between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946, or June 27, 1950 and January 31, 1955, or February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.  In order for a veteran to enroll in the program, he or she must provide adequate documentation of their military service (such as a DD214), discharge information, and proof of Wyoming residency for the 3 years prior to claiming the exemption.

The exemption may be used on real property or on registration fees for qualifying motor vehicles.  The property may be held in multiple names provided the veteran and/or spouse is listed.  The exemption may also be applied to property being purchased by a qualifying veteran and/or spouse under contract for deed as long as evidence of the contract for deed has been recorded with the county clerk.  The amount of the annual exemption in assessed dollars is 3,000.  The property tax benefit may only be claimed in one county annually and shall only apply to the principal residence of the veteran or qualifying surviving spouse.   A disabled veteran with a compensable service connected disability certified by the veteran’s administration or a branch of the armed forces of the United States is eligible for the exemption regardless of the time of service. 

Veterans have until the May 29th to contact the Assessors office and qualify to use the exemption on their 2018 property taxes.  The office is located in the Niobrara County Courthouse at 424 South Elm in Lusk, or can be reached at 334-3201.