Reminder: Don’t forget to file for your homestead exemption!
Reminder: Don’t forget to file for your homestead exemption!
Reminder: Don’t forget to file for your homestead exemption!
It’s time to start thinking about property taxes and your homestead tax exemption. If you bought a home in the past year or have never filed for your homestead tax exemption, the time is approaching. If you live in your home on January 1st, 2016, you can apply for a homestead tax exemption. If you have already filed for your exemption, you don’t need to do it again. This is a one-time necessity!
Why should you file for a homestead exemption?
Basically, because you will save a LOT of money just by filling out a few pages of info. The homestead tax exemption lowers the taxable value of your home (this does NOT hurt the value of your home–in fact, the lower the taxes are, the better!). If you have a house that has a appraisal district tax valuation of $100,000, your homestead exemption would be $25,000 off! So, you’d be paying property taxes on $85,000 instead of $100,000. There is no reason not to do it! (NOTE: THESE AMOUNTS MAY CHANGE DEPENDING ON THE YEAR)
How to file for a homestead exemption?
It’s easy and FREE–fill out the form and mail it in (or drop off in person)! Click Here to Download Homestead Form
In Anderson County, mail to:
Anderson County Appraisal District
801 North Perry St.
Palestine, Texas 75801
Watch For Scams!
If you’ve bought a home in the past year, you’ll probably (or already have) gotten solicitations from companies who offer to file this paperwork for you (for a fee). Do not use these companies or send them any money. Filing your homestead tax exemption is free and easy. Often these offers look very official and make it seem as if you won’t get the exemption unless you pay. It’s not true!
If you have any questions or I can help in any way, I’m just a phone call (or email or text) away!
Happy New Year!
Lisa E. Priest loves a good tax break and is a local REALTOR® and Property Manager with Picket Fence Realty, Inc. You can reach her via phone or text at 903-948-3343 or at BuyPalestine.com
