Collecting Local Option Disaster Credit and Abatement Applications

To receive a Local Option Disaster Credit or Abatement, affected property owners must apply. Property owners are unlikely to know the specific requirements to receive property tax relief, so we strongly encourage the assessor’s office to be proactive in reaching out to properties that qualify for relief.

As a reminder, any properties that meet the requirements for a local option credit or abatement must apply to the assessor and be approved by the county board to receive it. Assessors should make sure that property owners who qualify know about the application requirement and provide them with an application or information on where to find the application on our website as soon as possible.

• For local option abatements to be reimbursed by the state, applications must be submitted and approved by the November 1 deadline when the disaster packet is due to the state.
• The county board may approve or deny any local option credits or abatements. The board does not have to follow their abatement policy because this is a separate abatement in statute, though they may adhere to it or create a new policy if they choose.
• Assessors should help assist property owners in filling out the application, such as indicating that the property is in a declared disaster area (pending application to the executive council).