Qualified veterans can apply for exemption by phone

Hot Springs County Assessor Shelley Deromedi has announced that currently qualified Hot Springs County veterans should contact the assessor’s office by telephone to apply for their 2016 Veteran’s Exemption.

Deromedi stated, “In the past, veterans were required to complete a sworn exemption application form in her office each year. Recent legislation made it permissible for the veteran to contact the assessor’s office by phone to apply.”

Currently qualified veterans should call the assessor’s office as soon as possible to notify that office that they are still residing in Hot Springs County and want to use the exemption on their property tax or for vehicle licensing.

Those honorably discharged veterans who have never applied for the exemption will need to come to the assessor’s office and bring a copy of their military service discharge papers. Deromedi stated, “To qualify for the exemption, veterans must have received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or its equivalent or been active duty between 12/7/1941 and 12/31/1946, 6/27/1950 and 1/31/1955 or 2/28/1961 and 5/7/1975. The veteran and/or surviving spouse must have been a resident of Wyoming for the 3 years prior to claiming the exemption.”

The following also apply:

1. Veterans with service connected disabilities are eligible for the property tax reduction regardless of service dates.

2. The property tax exemption may only be claimed in one county annually.

3. Exemptions shall only apply to the principal residence of the veteran or qualifying surviving spouse.

The Hot Springs County Assessor’s Office is located in the court house, 415 Arapahoe, and you can call 864-3414 or e-mail hsca@hscounty.com for more information.