Lost in the switcheroo: Loophole in new law allowed some taxpayers to get money back while many lost chance

Justin Harris could use the money.

The McCook farmer and businessman is already behind on last year’s property taxes, and still owes $3,200 that’s growing with interest.

And Harris is also missing out on a tax rebate thanks to a much-misunderstood change that Nebraska lawmakers made earlier this year. It’s costing him $1,300 – money he could have nabbed had he paid his property taxes by Dec. 31, 2023.

“There was no chance for us to be able to take advantage of that discount because we're living paycheck to paycheck,” he said.

The vast majority of Nebraska property owners may not realize it, bu...