The Homestead Exemption

WV Code 11- 6B-3 provides for an exemption from ad valorem property taxes on the first twenty thousand ($20,000) of assessed valuation on a personal residence.  This applies to owner-occupied (Class II) property. For persons living in a rural area, this amounts to a maximum exemption of around $248.00 per year.  For those in Ripley or Ravenswood, the maximum exemption is currently $298.00 per year. 

You must be at least age 64 or older on July 1st or totally and permanently disabled to qualify for the Homestead Exemption. Residents who have moved here from out of state are required to have resided in West Virginia for the two calendar years prior to the assessment year that they first make application.  This requirement is waived for persons who have been living out of state for less than five years and move back.  The applicant must have occupied the property for more than six months prior to date of application. The applicant must sign oath that they do not receive a similar exemption in another state or county.  If both spouses' names are on the deed for the residence, then both should make application as soon as they are able.  This provides a smooth carry-over of the Homestead Exemption for a surviving spouse.  Only one exemption shall be allowed for each Homestead used and occupied by the owner thereof, regardless of the number of owners residing therein.

Homestead Exemption application can be made July 1st through December 1st each year. 

If you have already signed up for the Homestead and have not moved, you do not need to sign up again.  If you have any questions please call the Assessor's Office Real Estate Division at (304) 373-2240.

Senior Citizens Tax Credit

This new tax law, WV Code 11-21-21, was passed by the State Legislature in 2001 and made effective 2003. People who qualify for this credit need only supply minimal documentation. We at the Assessors Office will help you if you need assistance. This new tax credit is based on your income and it was the intention of the WV Legislature to raise the Homestead Exemption coverage by another 100%, but only for people who needed it. The income test they applied is 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline for the year in which property tax was paid. The letter that you receive will show how much you can claim based on household size. The maximum amount homestead taxpayers in Jackson County can claim for 2008 is $248.68 if you live in the country, and $298.68 if you live in Ravenswood or Ripley. The amount of credit you can get back or deduct is determined by the extent of your “Homestead bust”. This is the amount over 20,000 up to 40,000 assessed valuation on your residence. To determine if you qualify for this extra tax credit, look at your Federal Adjusted Gross Income on your form 1040. This amount cannot exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline amount based on you household size. If you are not required to file a WV State Income Tax return, you automatically qualify for this credit. The state will actually mail you a refund check. If you have to pay state income tax, you can claim this amount as a credit against your tax liability. If you have any questions concerning this new tax credit, call 373-2240 Monday thru Friday 9 to 4, and Saturday 9 to 12. The phone numbers for Taxpayer Information at the State are: 1-800-982-8297 and 304-558-3333.