🌺 Understanding Maui Home Exemptions: What Every Homeowner Should Know
Property taxes aren’t the most exciting part of homeownership, but understanding how exemptions work can save you real money each year. Whether you’re a long-time Maui resident, you’re settling into a new home, or you’ve recently sold your primary residence, it’s important to know how the Homeowner Exemption works and when you need to file or update your status.
And if you’ve never filed before — truly, you’re not alone.
What Is a Homeowner Exemption?
The Homeowner Exemption is a property tax reduction available to Maui homeowners who live in their property as their primary residence. Once approved, it lowers your assessed value, which in turn lowers the amount of property tax you pay each year.
It’s not automatic — you do need to file for it.
Do All Homeowners Need to File?
Yes — but only once.
You file a Homeowner Exemption one time, and it remains active as long as:
You still own the home
It’s your primary residence
Your occupancy status hasn’t changed
If you’ve lived in your home for years but never filed, there’s a good chance you’re paying more than necessary. Filing now ensures you receive the benefit for the upcoming tax year.
Not Sure If You’ve Filed?
You’re not alone — I had to check my own records to make sure I filed, so don’t worry if you’re unsure.
How to Confirm Your Homeowner Exemption Status
Here’s a simple way to check whether your exemption is active:
Visit Maui’s property tax site:
https://qpublic.net/hi/maui/
Click the “Search Records” tab at the top of the page.
Search by address, owner name, or TMK.
Scroll down to the section titled “Assessment Information.”
Look for Tax Class — it should say OWNER-OCCUPIED / HOMEOWNER if your exemption is in place.
Check the “Exemptions” section.
Look for Total Exemption Value:
If you see a dollar amount listed, your Homeowner Exemption is active.
If it says “None” or the field is blank, you have not filed.
If you’re unsure what you’re looking at or something doesn’t appear to match your records, I’m always happy to help walk you through it.
When You Receive Your Tax Calculations
Homeowners often ask when they’ll actually see their updated tax information.
Here’s the Maui County timeline:
Assessment notices are released in March.
This reflects your property’s assessed value, including your exemption if it has been approved.
The tax year runs from July 1 to June 30.
Even though the exemption filing deadline is December 31, the tax year does not follow the calendar year.
When Property Taxes Are Due
Maui County divides property taxes into two installments:
First installment: Due August 20
Second installment: Due February 20
If your exemption is approved, the reduction will be reflected in these bills.
Who Needs to File Before the December 31 Deadline?
You should file now if:
You purchased a home in 2024 and will use it as your primary residence
You’ve owned your home for a while but never filed a Homeowner Exemption
Your living situation recently changed and you need to update or remove an exemption
The exemption must be filed by December 31 for it to apply to the next tax year.
Important: Sellers Need to File Too
If you recently sold your home or moved out, you must file a Change of Status form to remove your exemption.
You’ll need your Unique ID — the 16-digit number printed on your real property tax assessment notice.
Where to File
For Maui County, visit:
Maui County Real Property Assessment
https://qpublic.net/hi/maui/
The site has forms, instructions, and contact information if you need help.
Bottom Line
A Homeowner Exemption is one of the simplest ways to reduce your annual property taxes — but only if you’ve filed. With Maui’s December 31 deadline approaching, now is the perfect moment to check your status and submit your application if needed.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve filed or want guidance through the process, I’m here to help. A few minutes today can lead to meaningful savings next year.
I’ve included a simple checklist you can copy, paste, and print to keep on hand as you review your exemption status.
Maui Homeowner Exemption Checklist
For Homeowners / Buyers
Confirm Your Homeowner Exemption Status
☐ Visit Maui’s property tax site:
https://qpublic.net/hi/maui/
☐ Click the “Search Records” tab at the top of the page
☐ Search by address, owner name, or TMK
☐ Scroll down to the Assessment Information section
☐ Check Tax Class
Should say OWNER-OCCUPIED / HOMEOWNER if your exemption is active
☐ Check the Exemptions section
Look for Total Exemption Value
If you see a dollar amount, your exemption is active
If it says “None” or is blank, you have not filed
2. File by December 31 (If Applicable)
You should file if:
☐ You purchased a home in 2024 and will use it as your primary residence
☐ You’ve owned your home for years but never filed
☐ Your occupancy status changed (moved out, became a rental, etc.)
Form: Homeowner Exemption Application
Available at: https://qpublic.net/hi/maui/
3. Know the Tax Timeline
☐ County releases Assessment Notices in March
☐ Maui property tax year runs July 1 – June 30
☐ Taxes are due in two payments:
☐ August 20
☐ February 20
4. After Filing
☐ Watch for your updated assessed value in March
☐ Confirm the exemption appeared correctly
☐ Contact the Real Property Assessment Division if something looks off
For Sellers
5. File Change of Status When You Sell
You must remove your exemption when:
☐ You’ve sold your home
☐ You no longer live in the property
Required:
☐ Your 16-digit Unique ID (found on your tax assessment notice)
Form: Change of Status
Available at: https://qpublic.net/hi/maui/
6. Double-Check Before Closing
☐ Ensure the exemption is removed to avoid future issues
☐ Confirm the county updated the record in QPublic
7. Need Help?
☐ Contact Maui County Real Property Assessment Division
☐ Or reach out to me — I’m always happy to walk you through it
