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Eleanor is a 72-year-old homeowner in Sedgwick County, Kansas, with a household income of $22,000 per year. She is struggling to pay her property taxes on her primary residence. Her neighbor tells her she may qualify for the Kansas Homestead Property Tax Refund. Which statement most accurately describes Eleanor's eligibility and the nature of this Kansas program?

Correct Answer

B) Eleanor may receive a refund of a portion of property taxes paid, calculated as the amount exceeding a set percentage of household income, subject to a maximum refund cap

The Kansas Homestead Property Tax Refund Program (K.S.A. 79-4501 et seq.) is a refund program — not an exemption or deferral — that provides eligible low-income homeowners (including seniors) a refund of the portion of property taxes paid that exceeds a specified percentage of their household income. The refund is claimed on the Kansas income tax return and is subject to a statutory maximum cap. Eleanor, at age 72 with a $22,000 income, would likely meet the income and age eligibility criteria, but she receives a partial refund, not a full exemption. This distinction is critical and frequently misunderstood on the exam.

Answer Options
A
Eleanor qualifies for a full exemption from property taxes because she is over 65 with income below the state threshold
B
Eleanor may receive a refund of a portion of property taxes paid, calculated as the amount exceeding a set percentage of household income, subject to a maximum refund cap
C
Eleanor qualifies for a property tax deferral, meaning taxes accrue as a lien but are not due until the property is sold or transferred
D
Eleanor must apply through KREC for a senior citizen property tax credit applied directly against her assessed value

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

homestead_refundsenior_homeownerproperty_tax_relieflow_incomeK.S.A._79-4501

Related Concepts

Reconciliation is the final step in the appraisal process where the appraiser analyzes the value indications from all applicable approaches and arrives at a single final opinion of value. It is not a simple average of the three values.

The comparable sales approach estimates a property's value by comparing it to similar properties that have recently sold in the same market area. It is the most widely used and reliable approach for appraising residential properties.

The cost approach estimates a property's value by calculating the current cost to rebuild the improvements, subtracting accumulated depreciation, and adding the land value. It is most reliable for new construction and special-purpose properties.

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