Did You File Your Homestead Exemption Paperwork when You Bought Your Carlsbad Home in 2014?
Homeowners in Carlsbad, and elsewhere in San Diego County, are entitled to receive, if qualified, a homestead exemption worth $7000 off the assessed value of your home and a savings – very modest (i.e., $70) – on your annual property taxes.
If you bought a home this and did not file your exemption (or occupied a home you bought in 2013 as of January 1, 2014), you can obtain a copy on the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk website.
The San Diego County Homestead Exemption is a simple one page form – complete it and send it in without a fee. To be eligible you must plan to own and live in the home as your principal place of residence.
Also, file the form EITHER (1) on or before February 15 of the current year (i.e., you must occupy your home or January 1 of that year), or (2) on or before the 30th day following the date of notice of supplemental assessment (may occur sometime after you buy the home). Late filing is from February 16 through December 10 – late filers will receive 80% of the exemption for the first year (i.e., $56).
NOTE: Many new homeowners receive advertising from companies like Title Recording Service (TSR, who is not located in San Diego County) right after closing, with a form to complete to request a Declaration of Homestead (and they usually include a copy of the deed, too).
But beware – they charge a fee for this and you can do it for free as outlined above. Don’t be swayed. I‘ve had multiple people ask if they need to do this. Nope you don’t.
To check to see if you are receiving the Homestead Exemption, look at your property tax bill in the upper right hand section of the bill. You will continue to receive the exemption each year that you occupy the home as your principal residence.
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