Homestead exemption

[Pilgrim]

I was wondering about how this works in relation to temporary or unpermitted structures in Hawaii.

From what I've read, it looks like you need to live on your land for a minimum of 270 days a year, be a Hawaii resident and consider the place your permanent, primary residence - also you can't have that exemption apply anywhere else. But as far as whether the structure you live in has to be a permitted building, it doesn't seem clear. I suppose you could live in a temporary structure and consider the place your permanent home, right? Anyone have experience with this?

Mahalo!

[Seeb]

Are you talking about land tax?

[Pilgrim]

Yup. Land Tax-exactly.

I'm wondering if someone lives on their land -but in an unpermitted or even temporary structure (like a trailer maybe) would that person still qualify for the homestead exemption?

Thanks.

[Seeb]

to get the owner occupied rate there has to be a house on the tax rolls

[lquade]

my neighbor is getting home exemption and has a permit for a non-existing house and a permitted agri shed. i was surprized too but apparently tax division and building dept dont completely communicate with each other. i say this tongue in cheek since when i got finialed on the new house, i did get a letter from the tax dept, sending me the home exemption paperwork unsolicited.

[YurtGirl]

Not true, Seeb. You just go down and say which property is your main place of residence and you can get the tax credit. Even with no permits on record. Been there, done that.

[kalakoa]

My experience: if you try to take the resident homeowner exemption *in person*, they will check the permit history for your TMK. If you *mail the paperwork* it goes across a different guy's desk. If the appraiser visits, they just want to see something that looks like you're living there; a shipping container will suffice.