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1. What is the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan?

During the 1994 legislative session, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 732, which provides tax rebates for new construction and the rehabilitation of existing structures. Each municipality must adopt a plan and designate an area in which they want to promote revitalization and development or redevelopment within the county.

2. What is a “tax rebate”?

It is a refund of the property taxes which would otherwise be payable on the actual value added to a property due to a qualified improvement.  The rebate only applies to the additional taxes resulting from the increase in assessed value of the property due to the improvement.  Under the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, the taxes relating to the assessed value on the property prior to the improvement may not be reduced and will continue to be payable.

3. What is a “qualified improvement”?

Qualified improvement to a structure includes new construction, rehabilitation, and additions.

4. How is “structure” defined?

“Structure” means any building, wall or other structure, including the building and improvements to existing structures and fixtures assimilated to the real estate.

5. What kind of “improvements” will increase the assessed value?

New construction, additions and major rehabilitations will increase the assessed value.  Repairs generally will not increase the assessed value unless there are several major repairs completed at the same time.

6. How long does the tax rebate run under the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan?

The plan will remain in effect through December 31, 2025, and will be re-evaluated at any time.  A property owner may apply for tax rebate as appropriate any time during the program.  The length of the tax rebate will be for seven (7) years for Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Properties and seven (7) years for residential property.  Any application approved by December 31, 2025, will receive the tax rebate.

7. Can property taxes be eliminated using the tax rebate?

There will always be some taxes on property.  Under Neighborhood Revitalization, the existing assessed value of the property and the resulting taxes prior to the improvements will continue.  Also the rebate begins at 95% of the new assessed value.

8. How do the terms Assessed Valuation and Appraised Value differ?

Assessed valuation is the value of the property for taxing purposes, not the appraised value.  For example, if the appraised value on a residential building is $100,000, the assessed value is $11,500.

9. How can I determine if I am eligible for a tax rebate?

There must be a minimum increase of $1,150 in Assessed Valuation for residential property (which equates to about $10,000 in appraised value) and $2,500 in Assessed Valuation (which equates to about $10,000 in appraised value depending on the type of business) for commercial, industrial or agricultural property.  New, as well as existing improvements must conform with all codes, rules and regulations in effect.  You should secure a building permit for most improvements, where applicable.  Call the County or City Zoning Board to find out if you need a building permit.  If building in the 3-mile zone surrounding the City of Larned or the City of Larned, contact the Larned City Zoning Administrator.

10. If qualified improvements have been made, how does one obtain a tax rebate?

A property owner must file, and have an approved application with the County Appraiser before construction begins.  There will be no exceptions!!

11. Who applies?

The property owner.  Even if, as a lessee, you are doing the improvements and your lease agreement has you paying the taxes, the property owner must apply.  The tax rebate will be included as part of the property’s tax record for the term of the rebate regardless of who owns or occupies the property.

12. How often do I need to apply?

Apply each year that you make a qualifying improvement to the property, even though the improvements may not actually be completed during the year.  If no further improvements are made, the initial application will be sufficient without the property owner having to file an additional application for succeeding years in which a tax rebate is received.

13. Will the schedule of tax rebates as determined by the increase in assessed value in the first year ever change?

Yes, the total taxes rebated to you over the seven year period may decrease only if the assessed value of the property decreases. 

14. Is the rebate transferable?

Yes, if the property should sell during the first seven years of the rebate program, the program’s rebate will continue with the new owner.

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1. Where can I register to vote?

You can register to vote in the following ways:

• By Mail
• Online
• In Person at the Election Office:
  715 Broadway
  Larned, KS 67550
• Offices in the City
  Larned City Office
• Health Department at the Courthouse

2. How do I register to vote?

Register by Mail

1. Download the Voter Registration Application Form (PDF).
2. Complete all information on the form. Make sure you provide your Kansas Driver’s License Number or enter the last four digits of your Social Security number.
3. Sign and mail to:
   Pawnee County Clerk’s Office
   715 Broadway Street
   Larned, KS 67550

Online Voter Registration

Anyone with a current and valid Kansas driver’s license or nondriver’s identification card may submit an electronic voter registration application.  https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg/Default.aspx

3. Do I need to update or change my voter registration?

You must re-register and send a Voter Registration Form (PDF) to the Election Office:

• If you have changed your place of residence (even if you have just moved from one apartment to another in the same building)
• If you have changed your name
• If you want to change your party affiliation

4. Can I check to see if I am a registered voter?

You can go to Kansas VoterView provided by the Kansas Secretary of State's Office.

5. Where do I vote?

See the Pawnee County polling places.

6. Where do I get a advance ballot application?

Select and print the Advance Ballot Application (PDF). You must answer all questions and sign the form in order to receive a ballot. Once the completed application is returned to the County Election office, a ballot can be mailed to you.

• A registered voter may apply for an advance ballot for each election. Note: A separate form must be completed for each individual voter and each election.
• If you have a permanent disability or illness, you may apply for a permanent advance voter status. Select and print the Permanent Advance Ballot Application (PDF).
• You can also contact the County Election Office to obtain either application for advance voting.

7. What are valid forms of photo ID?

Starting January 1, 2012, Kansas voters must show photographic identification when casting a vote in person. Read more information about acceptable forms of photo ID.

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1. Are you eligible to vote?

The qualifications to vote are that an individual must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be a resident of Kansas
  There is no length of residency requirement in Kansas, but a person must be registered 15 days before the election and must be a resident at the time of registration.
• Be a U.S. citizen

If you are 17 years old but will be 18 before the next election you may register to vote. This does not allow you to vote in the primary or at any other election before turning eighteen.

2. How do you register to vote?

Registration

Registration forms can be obtained:

• At VoteKansas
• At your county election office:
  715 Broadway
  Larned, KS 67550
  Phone: 620-285-3721
• The Secretary of State's office

Registration is available at hundreds of places statewide. These sites may include:

• City offices
• Health departments
• Libraries
• Banks
• Online
• Public events such as county fairs

The Kansas Voter Registration Application Form (PDF) is used to register and also to update registration records, such as name changes, address changes or party affiliation changes.

Completing the Form

To complete the form: Read and carefully answer all required questions. Once the voter registration form has been completed and signed, you may return it by mail or hand-deliver it to your county election office. Your county election office will mail you a certificate after processing your application.

Deadline

The deadline to register to vote for any election is 15 days prior to that election. (Example: To vote in the November 6, 2012 general election, you must be registered by October 22, 2012.)

3. Is your registration up-to-date?

When moving to a different location, it is important to register to vote as soon as possible. This ensures that you are qualified to vote in upcoming elections.

There are two ways to change your voter registration information:

• Changing the information on your driver's license will automatically update your voter registration information and your certificate.
• Completing a new voter registration application and returning it to the Secretary of State's office or your election officer.

Acceptable Forms of Identification (ID)

State law requires that all voters show photo identification each time they vote. Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Driver's License or Nondriver's ID Card
• Government Employee ID
• Military ID
• Public Assistance ID Card
• Student ID
• U.S. Passport

4. Do you know the candidates?

It is important to be informed about the candidates and issues. There are many sources of information that are easy to access including:

• Candidate forums
• Candidate websites
• Local newspaper
• TV news provider

5. What are your rights and responsibilities?

Be sure to know your rights and responsibilities when voting. Voter rights and responsibilities are posted at each polling place on Election Day. If you would like more information, go to Vote Kansas.

6. Where and when do you vote?

When Elections Occur

A primary election is held on the first Tuesday in August of even-numbered years for the nomination of Democratic and Republican candidates. Minor party candidates are nominated at state party conventions, and independent candidates file by petition. The general election is held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November of even-numbered years.

Voting Hours

State law requires that polling places open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Election Day; however, the county may open the polls earlier and close them later. All voters who are in line at 7 p.m. are allowed to vote.

Where to Vote

After registering, you will receive a voter registration certificate, which shows the location of your voting place. If, after checking your certificate, you are still unsure where to vote, contact your election officer for further assistance. You can also check your local newspaper, which will publish polling place addresses on or before Election Day.

Additional Information

Go to Kansas VoterView for voter registration, polling place, and absentee ballot information.

7. How will you vote?

As a Kansas voter, you may:

• Cast an advance ballot
• Cast a ballot at your local polling place on Election Day
• If you are in the military serving abroad, you may cast a federal service ballot
• In a few special cases, you might cast a president-only ballot.

Go to Vote Kansas for more information and instructions for the different types of ballots.

8. How do you make certain your vote counts?

Be sure to have proper identification with you when going to vote. This will ensure that you are able to vote a regular ballot. Each polling place will have specific instructions for the method of voting.

9. How do you file a complaint?

Federal law requires that each state have a complaint procedure in place for voters who would like to express complaints about alleged election crimes or other voting problems. If you feel your rights were violated, refer to the complaint process at Vote Kansas or call your county election office.

10. Need more information on voting?

For more information of the voting process please refer to Vote Kansas or contact your local county election office:

Pawnee County Kansas

Stacey Rein, Election Officer

715 Broadway

Larned, KS   67550

Phone: 620-285-3721

The Secretary of States Office may be contacted at 785-296-4561 or toll free at 800-262-8683 (VOTE).

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1. What is a Homestead Refund?

The Homestead Refund is a rebate of a portion of the property taxes paid on a Kansas resident's homestead. Your refund percentage is based on your total household income. The maximum refund is $700.

Filers eligible for the Kansas Property Tax Relief claim receive 75% of their property tax with no maximum limit. Individuals are only eligible for one claim.

2. How do you file a Homestead Claim?

The Pawnee County Clerk's office would be happy to assist you in filling out and filing your homestead claim form.

Kansas Homestead claims (K-40H) and Kansas Property Tax Relief claims (K-40PT) can now be filed using the electronic Webfile system. This filing method is safe and secure and you could get your refund faster if you use the direct deposit option! Claims can be submitted after December 31, 2014, but no later than April 15, 2015.

You may also file by paper. Mail your claim to the address shown on the back of your K-40H or K-40PT. Obtain an instruction booklet and the claim forms:

• 2014 Homestead and Property Tax Instructions (PDF)
• Certificate of Disability Form 2014 DIS (PDF)
• Homestead Claim Form K-40H (PDF)
• Property Tax Relief Claim Form K-40PT (PDF)

3. Who may qualify to complete a Homestead Claim online?

Homestead Refund Program

The Homestead Refund Program is for homeowners who own and occupy their homestead and were residents of Kansas all of 2014. As a Kansas resident the entire year, you are eligible if your total household income is $33,400 or less and you meet at least one of the:

• Were born before January 1, 1959
• Were blind or totally and permanently disabled all of 2014
• Have a dependent child who lived with you the entire year who was born before January 1, 2014, and was under the age of 18 all of 2014

Kansas Property Tax Relief

The Kansas Property Tax Relief claim is for homeowners that were 65 years of age or older, with a household income of $18,900 or less, and a resident of Kansas all of 2014.

4. What you need to file online?

In order to file online, you will need:

• Your refund amount from your previous years claim
• Your banking information if you would like to have your refund directly deposited into your bank account;
• All information regarding any Household Income. Examples are:
  • Alimony
  • Any retirement benefits
  • Disability income
  • Dividends
  • Federal earned income tax credit
  • Foster home care payments
  • Gambling winnings
  • Interest
  • Jury duty payments
  • Salaries
  • Self-employment income
  • Social security
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
  • Taxable and nontaxable wages
  • Unemployment
  • Welfare and temporary assistance payments
• All Household members' personal information such as name, social security number, date of birth, etc.
• A web browser that can handle 128-bit encryption (since this is a secure site). This includes most U.S. versions of:
  • Internet Explorer
  • Firefox
  • Mozilla
  • Netscape
  • Opera
  • Safari
  • Other browsers
• A printer to print your filing confirmation page, summary of your filing, payment voucher form, or tax schedule forms.

5. What is a Homestead?

A homestead is a house, mobile or manufactured home, or other dwelling subject to property tax that you own and occupy as a residence.

6. What is a Household?

A household is you, or you and your spouse who occupy a homestead, or you and one or more individuals not related as husband and wife who together occupy a homestead.

7. How are refund claims processed?

If you qualify for a refund you will have the option to have it directly deposited in a bank account or you can choose to have it mailed to you. Normal processing time for an error-free and complete homestead refund claim is 20 to 24 weeks. Claims requiring correspondence may take longer.

8. Who can I call for refund information?

If you have a touch-tone phone and wish to inquire about your refund, call our toll-free refund line at 1-800-894-0318. To access your information on the automated system, you will need your Social Security number and the exact amount of your refund.

9. How do I make amendments on returns?

Filers are able to amend current year returns. If you filed your original Homestead claim using WebFile, you can log back into WebFile and select the amendment option to correct errors then submit the claim to replace the original. If you did not complete your original claim online, you must initiate a new claim and select the option to file the new claim as amended.