I write this post because I just received in the mail a "Designation of Homestead Request Form".
PLEASE BEWARE - THIS IS A SCAM!!
Although the letter may look very official even citing Texas laws on the back side, this is not a government agency of any kind.
You can file for a homestead exemption FREE by going to http://www.wcad.org/appraisal/publicaccess/Forms/Homestead%20Exemption%20Application.pdf
If you have bought your home in the last year or so, you will probably be receiving one of these letters. It may even show the date you bought your home. That is public information that can be accessed by anyone.
Even though the letter states that the Texas Property Code is different from the Texas Tax Code, you do not need to file this form.
This scam is so prevalent that Williamson County released the following statement online back in 2005:
Homestead Exemption Forms Available for Free
Don't Pay for Filing Service
"Homestead exemption forms that allow a home owner to claim a tax exemption on a single, primary residence are available for free from the Williamson County Appraisal District, 510 W. 9th Street in Georgetown, on their Web site at http://www.wcad.org/ or at the Williamson County Tax Assessor's offices in Georgetown, Taylor, Round Rock or Cedar Park.
"Private companies are sending out mailings offering to file a designation of homestead form for a fee or to obtain a refund for the late filing of an exemption for property owners," states Williamson County Tax Assessor/Collector Deborah Hunt. "We want people to know that it is not necessary for homeowners to pay anyone to file for a homestead exemption or to obtain a refund for the late filing of a homestead or senior citizen exemption. Please don't pay for this service when you can easily do it yourself for free."
Please protect yourself and DO NOT send any money to these scammers.
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