Texas Property Tax Reduction Tips - Special Provision For Filing Homestead Exemption

Advice and suggestions to help property owners achieve fair & equal assessments and reduce property taxes.

Special Provision For Filing Homestead Exemption

Over-65 Exemptions
Eligible property owners may receive an over-65 homestead exemption immediately upon qualification for the exemption(s). Owners must apply before the first anniversary of the qualification date to receive the exemption(s) in that tax year. For example, if you turn 65 on June 1st of the current year, you have until May 31st of the next year to apply for the current tax year's over-65 exemption(s). This special provision only applies to the over-65 exemptions and not to other exemptions for which owners may apply. If eligible, property owners may file a late homestead exemption application if they file it no later than one year after the date they paid their taxes on the homestead or the taxes became delinquent, whichever comes first.

General, Disability, and Over-55 Surviving Spouse Residential Homestead Exemptions.
Property owners may only apply for residence homestead exemptions on one property in a tax year. To qualify for homestead exemptions, you must own and reside in your home on January 1st of the tax year. If you temporarily move away from your home, you still can qualify for an exemption if you don't establish another principal residence and you intend to return.

Homestead Application Steps:

Owner's name and address.
Enter the following information:
- Name of the owner completing the application.
- The owner's current mailing address and phone number.
- Driver's license number, personal identification number, or Social Security number of the owner.
- Percentage of ownership by the owner.
- The owner's birth date.
- Names of other owners and their percentage of ownership. Attach additional sheets if needed.
Describe the property.
Enter the information requested. Attach the mobile home title or sales contract if a mobile home. Enter, if you wish, the number of acres used for residential purposes.
Check exemptions that apply to you.
Complete by checking the boxes that apply. If you check the disability exemption, attach documents verifying your disability. If a surviving spouse age 55 or older, enter the information requested. The appraisal district may request documents on date of spouse's death.
Answer if applies.
If the property is cooperative housing, complete Step 4.
Check if late.
If you were eligible for an exemption last year, check the box in Step 5 for late filing and enter the prior tax year.
Sign and date the application.
You must sign and date this application. Making false statements on your exemption application is a criminal offense.

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Property Tax Tips

Protest every year, and use all steps in appeal process when necessary

Protest both market value and unequal appraisal

Obtain data to prepare for hearing

Be aggressive; demand results

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