Washington County (Nebraska): Refunds for Veterans Who Missed the Vehicle Tax Exemption

The exemption is the State's: since January 1, 2026 one vehicle of a veteran with a VA-recognized service-connected disability, at any rating, is exempt from the motor vehicle tax and fee, if the veteran applies within the State's window (see the Nebraska entry). What happened in Washington County. On October 13, 2026 the Board of Equalization heard a veteran's request for a refund. Veterans Service Officer Ed Lautrup explained that the exemption took effect January 1, 2026 for "any veteran with a service-related disability" on a single personal vehicle, that a veteran's disability status "is tied to their social security number, which the Treasurer's office does not have access to", and that the exemption "was not widely know[n] to the public at the time of inception, thus there are folks who are now asking for refunds for taxes paid on vehicles that were registered in prior months." The County Attorney reported that three other counties had dealt with it, and the Board granted the refund 7-0. The rule to come. Later the same afternoon the Board of Supervisors discussed a resolution on refunds and time limits. The County Attorney set out three choices - treat each request as a separate Board of Equalization case in which the veteran shows the exemption was missed for reasons outside his or her control, refund anyone who comes forward, or do nothing - and after hearing the Treasurer and Mr. Lautrup the Board tabled the item 7-0 until a resolution is drafted. A Washington County veteran who paid the tax on a qualifying vehicle in 2026 can ask the Veterans Service Office, (402) 426-6838, or the Treasurer about a refund. Cass and Scotts Bluff Counties handle the same late requests by appeal and waiver (see those entries).