Instructions for Filing your Homestead Exemption in North Texas
Since you have recently acquired a primary residence, now is the time of year for you to file a homestead exemption application. The homestead exemption will reduce the taxable value of your property, limit the size of increases to the taxable value each year and provide the protection of Texas’ generous homestead laws!
To qualify for a homestead exemption, you must have owned the property as of January 1 of the year you are applying. Your homestead exemption applies to your primary residence only and you cannot claim a homestead exemption on any other property.
The easiest way to fill out an exemption form is to log onto your county’s website and locate your property using their “Property Search” feature. After locating your property, print out the exemption form with your pre-populated ownership information. If you cannot locate your property’s specific application, use the “Forms” link to print off a blank homestead exemption form to complete. Some of my clients who bought last year told me they received a form in the mail!
The web addresses of some of the local appraisal districts are as follows:
- Dallas county -http://www.dallascad.org
- Collin county - http://www.collincad.org
- Denton county – http://www.dentoncad.com
The exemption application must be completed, notarized (if applicable) and include a copy of the following with the address on each matching the subject property on the application:
- Your driver’s license or Texas ID Card
- Your vehicle registration receipt
- If you do not own a vehicle, you will be required to submit a copy of a utility bill
When complete, mail the application and supporting documents to the appropriate Central Appraisal District.
Your application must be submitted to the Central Appraisal District on or before April 30, 2014 in order to receive tax benefits for the year. This is a FREE service you should not respond to any request from a company unless you want to pay a fee!
I hope this has answered all of your questions regarding the filing of your Homestead Exemption!
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