Effective September 1, 2011, House Bill 252 changed the proof of residency requirements for those filing for a homestead exemption in Austin. The law only affects NEW applicants for the following exemptions:
- General Homestead Exemption
- Over-65 Exemption
- Disability Exemption
- Disabled Veteran’s Exemption
- Extended Exemption for Homeowner’s Surviving Spouse
- Manufactured (Mobile) Home Exemption
New Proof of Residency Requirements
If you’re filling for one of the above exemptions in Texas, you’ll need to provide the following info to the taxing authority:
- Application for residential homestead exemption
- Copy of Driver’s License (Address Must Match Property Address)
- Copy of Vehicle Registration Receipt (Address Must Match Property Address)
Principal Residence Only Qualifies
Remember, not all homes qualify. The home must be your principal residence as of January 1st and it must be owned by an individual, not a business.
Manufactured (Mobile) Homestead Exemptions
If you’re filing for a manufactured (mobile) home application, you’ll need not only proof of residency with a copy of your driver’s license and vehicle registration receipt but also proof of purchase of the home and a statement of ownership and location issued by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Over-65 Exemption or Disability Applicants School Tax Ceiling
If you’re filing for an over-65 or disability exemption, you also may be eligible for a school tax ceiling. This will freeze the school taxes for as long as you own and occupy the home. If you qualify for the school tax ceiling, you have the option to transfer a percentage of the ceiling to a different home should you move. If this pertains to you, contact the appraisal district for the county you are moving from and the county you are moving to for more information.
Where Can You Find Tax Forms?
Click on your County to be redirected to the site where you can download Homestead Exemption forms.
When to File Homestead Exemption
You must file your Homestead Exemption between January 1st and April 30th of the year you are applying. You do not need to reapply every year unless you get a notice from the appraisal district asking you to send a new application. Now is the perfect time to get the information together and ready to send to the appraisal district.
Considering Buying or Selling a Home in Austin?
Our team has a combined 60+ years experience in residential real estate and can help you with your next real estate transaction. Check out our Austin Home Buyers or Austin Home Sellers pages for more info about our team and how we work. Then, call us at (512) 827-8323 or email us at info@11OaksRealty.com to schedule a no obligation consultation.
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