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Homestead Exemption – Time to File!

Happy New Year from The Stanfield Team!

 

Now that the holidays are over, it’s back to school, work, goal setting, checklist completing, fitness routines, and healthy eating (well, we are trying anyway!).  An important item to make sure you check off your list is to file your Homestead Exemption.

Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption

If you purchased a home in 2019 that is being used as your primary residence, its time to file – but don’t worry, it’s easy and it’s free!  Here’s some important info about filing:

 

  1. You must have owned the home no later than December 31st of the previous year (in this case, December 31, 2019) in order to file for your exemption that takes effect in 2020.
  2. A Homestead Exemption lowers your property tax liability each year that you own and reside in your home.  Savings are typically in the 10-20% range compared to non-exempt homes.
  3. If you tried to file your Homestead Exemption BEFORE January 1, 2020 it was likely discarded by your county.  Homestead Exemption applications are only accepted January 1 – April 30, 2020.
  4. It is FREE to file your Homestead Exemption – you almost certainly received junk mail after your purchase, offering to file your exemption on your behalf for a mere $85 bucks or so.  It is NOT required for a third party to file on your behalf, even though their forms look very official!  Filing is always free and you never have to pay to place an exemption on your property.
  5. See below for a few links to our local county Homestead Exemption forms:

Galveston County

Harris County

Brazoria County

 

As always, The Stanfield Team is happy to answer ANY real estate question for our clients – give us a call to chat about Homestead Exemptions, property values, buying, selling … or just to say hi!

The Stanfield Team

Stanfield Properties

281-482-7100