North Texas Real Estate Talk

A Texas state law that went into effect September 1, 2011 has changed proof of residency requirements for homeowners who apply for the property tax homestead exemption.

In 2012, all new applicants in Texas must provide the following documentation to qualify for the new homestead exemption:

• Application for Residential Homestead Exemption (available on most county appraisal district websites). Here is a list of Dallas/Fort Worth area counties contact information.
• Copy of Texas Driver’s License or Texas ID Card. The address must match the homestead address intended for the exemption.
• Copy of vehicle registration receipt. The address must match the homestead address intended for the exemption. Homeowners can get a copy of their registration receipt from the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you do not own a vehicle, you must complete the Non-Ownership of Motor Vehicle Affidavit (found on the Homestead Exemption application), have it notarized and attach a copy of a utility bill showing the homestead address.
• The Homestead Exemption will NOT be allowed unless all the required documents show the same homestead address.

Although the list seems daunting, the requirements are quite simple. Remember: Filing your Homestead Exemption is FREE (discard any offers from companies that charge for the service), but the deadline for filing your application is April 30th.