County Clerk
Homestead and Safe Senior Refunds
The County Clerk's office is happy to assist with filing the Kansas Homestead Claim, Property Tax Relief Claim ("Safe Senior"), Senior or Disabled Veteran (SVR) Claim for people who do not file income tax returns. Our office is located on the first floor of the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence.
Our hours for Homestead and Safe Senior assistance are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Filing dates for 2023 returns are January 1, 2024 through April 15, 2024.
Please note that due to changes in the state law, the "Food Sales Tax Refund" that was available in prior years has been changed to a "Food Sales Tax Rebate". It is only available to people who file full income tax returns to the State of Kansas, which is not a function of this office.
Kansas Homestead Claim (K-40H)
The Kansas Homestead Claim program is for homeowners who were residents of Kansas for all of 2023. The refund is based on your total household income.
Do I qualify for this refund?
As a Kansas resident the entire year, you may be eligible for this refund if your total household income is $40,500 or less and:
- You were born before January 1, 1968, or;
- You were blind or totally and permanently disabled all of 2023, or;
- You had a dependent child who lived with you the entire year who was born before January 1, 2023, and was under the age of 18 all of 2023.
You cannot qualify if your homestead is NOT subject to property taxes. In addition, your home's appraised valuation for property tax purposes cannot exceed $350,000.
How much is the Homestead Refund?
The rebate is a percentage of the property tax paid. The maximum refund is $700.
A homeowner may claim only one of the following: the Homestead refund, Property Tax Relief Claim ("Safe Senior"), Senior or Disabled Veteran (SVR). The Kansas Department of Revenue's WebFile determines which claim is most beneficial to the homeowner.
What information is needed to file?
To better assist you with Homestead, Safe Senior, Senior or Disabled Veteran filings, please bring the following information with you when visiting our office:
- Your name, social security number, address, telephone number and date of birth.
- Personal information for all other household members, including name, social security number, and date of birth.
- Complete information regarding household income (for yourself and any others living with you in 2023) including these examples: taxable & nontaxable wages, salaries, self employment income, interest, dividends, earned income credit, social security, SSI benefits, disability payments, any retirement benefits, unemployment, alimony, welfare and temporary assistance payments, foster home care payments, gambling winnings, jury duty payments.
- If receiving disability, know the amount of disability payment received and the date that the disability began. First-time filers should bring their Social Security Benefit Verification Statement or Schedule DIS form.
- Know the amount of 2023 property tax billed, and whether there are any unpaid taxes.
- Bring your banking information if you would like to have your refund directly deposited into your bank account. (Bank routing number, bank account number and type of account.)
To save time, please complete this form and bring it with you: 2023 Homestead Refund Information Form
What is the Homestead Refund Advancement Program?
This program allows eligible homeowners to apply their anticipated Homestead refund to help pay the first half of their property taxes. The advancement is sent directly to the County Treasurer, eliminating the need for the filer to physically deliver a homestead eligibility letter to the County Treasurer.
There is a question on Form K-40H asking the homeowner whether they want their next year's homestead advancement sent directly to their County Treasurer. If the box was checked on the 2022 K-40H, the 2023 homestead advancement will be sent directly from the Kansas Department of Revenue to the County Treasurer. If you do not check this box, your homestead refund will not be automatically applied to your property tax bill.
PLEASE NOTE that if you checked the advancement box one year, it is absolutely necessary for you to file your homestead claim the following year in order to repay the money that was advanced toward your taxes.
Property Tax Relief Claim for Seniors and Disabled Veterans (K-40SVR)
The "Senior or Disabled Veteran (SVR)” Property Tax Relief Claim is a program for homeowners whose 2023 total household income including 50% of social security is 53,600 or less.
Do I qualify for this refund?
- You were 65 years or older and a resident of Kansas for all of 2023; OR
- You were a disabled veteran 50% or more military disability, disabled in the line of duty, and honorably discharged; OR
- You were a surviving spouse of a disabled veteran receiving the SVR who has not remarried; OR
- You were a surviving spouse of a person 65 years or older receiving the SVR and who has not remarried.
In addition, your home's appraised valuation for property tax purposes cannot exceed $350,000.
How much is the "Safe Senior" Refund?
The refund amount is the difference between the current and base year property tax amount.
A homeowner may claim only one rebate: Property Tax Relief Claim ("Safe Senior"), Homestead, Senior or Disabled Veteran (SVR). The Kansas Department of Revenue's WebFile determines which claim is most beneficial to the filer.
Property Tax Relief Claim ('Safe Senior') (K-40PT)
The "SAFE Senior" Property Tax Relief Claim is a program for homeowners whose 2023 household income was $23,700 or less.
Do I qualify for this refund?
- You, the homeowner, must have been 65 years or older and a resident of Kansas for all of 2023, and;
- You must not have any delinquent property taxes in 2023.
In addition, your home's appraised valuation for property tax purposes cannot exceed $350,000.
How much is the "Safe Senior" Refund?
Qualifying homeowners are eligible for a refund of 75% of their property taxes paid.
A homeowner may claim either the Property Tax Relief Claim ("Safe Senior") refund or Homestead, but not both. The Kansas Department of Revenue's WebFile determines which claim is most beneficial to the filer.
Resources and Information
- For more information on the Homestead, Safe Senior, or Senior and Disabled Veteran refund program, please see the Dept. of Revenue website.
- Check Your Refund Status Online or call 1-800-894-0318 for automated refund status.
- For a Kansas Department of Revenue agent, call 785-368-8222 (Please note: 1st menu press 4, 2nd menu press 2). Be sure to call this number if you move as the Post Office will not forward refunds.