Have You Filed Your Homestead Exemption? The Deadline Is 3/1!

One of the questions we recently got from buyers is, “If I bought a home in 2017 and I live in the property, when do I need to file my homestead exemption?”

The homestead exemption is very important. You may have filed it when you bought the home. Some title companies do it and some don’t. Others may give you the application and encourage you to file it yourself.

If you bought a home in 2017, then you need to file your exemption by March 1.

Counties will consider applications after that date, so you can file after the deadline, but if you want to guarantee exemption, file by March 1.

You can go to hcpafl.org or, if you’re in Hillsborough, pcpao.org. You can also search for your county’s property appraiser website to get the application. Some counties may have you print it out and mail it in, while some may allow you to submit online. They will need some information about the house.

If you bought your home in 2017, you need to file your exemption by March 1.

Make sure to file other exemptions that you may qualify for. There are exemptions for disabled veterans, the widow or widower of a disabled veteran, seniors, and more.

If you bought your home a few years ago and feel like your taxes are too high, take a look and see if you have filed your homestead exemption. It’s possible that you didn’t. Look up your property on the property appraiser’s website to see if you did.

When you file for the homestead exemption, it caps your property taxes from going up any more than 3%. If you’re not homesteading, your property taxes can go up to 10%.

The homestead exemption can save you a lot of money. After all, no one wants to pay more taxes.

If you have any other questions about the homestead exemption or real estate in general, just give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!