Changing Tax Laws Affect Homestead Exemptions

Effective September 1, 2011, in order to qualify for a residential homestead exemption you must provide the appraisal district with a copy of either your Texas driver’s license or Texas ID Card. The address on your driver’s license or state ID card must match the physical address of the residence for which you are applying. This address must also be the same as the address on your vehicle registration. Attach a copy of your vehicle registration receipt to your homestead application.

Remember: The addresses shown on each of the documents must be the same as the address for which the homestead exemption is sought, according to the Harris County Appraisal District. All three MUST have the same address.

Please note that in Step 6 of the Application Form it asks for the Authorized Signature(s) of qualified owner(s) so if there is a husband and wife purchasing a home it is a good idea that both the husband and the wife sign the application so in the event that there is a divorce or a death in the family that the remaining spouse still maintains his or her homestead exemption.

Also keep in mind, that right around this time of year, companies come out of the woodworks offering to file these forms for you for a fee. Their solicitations are presented in a manner that makes it appear as though you MUST pay their fee. Filing for your homestead exemption is free – do not be taken advantage of.