Texas Homestead Tax Exemption: File It Yourself!
I was reminded today of companies that like to make some easy money. How? By charging new homeowners for something that the homeowners can do themselves: file for their homestead (and other) tax exemption(s) in the county in which they own a primary residence.
An article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (8/30/09, click to read the article) says that a company based in Chicago charged "at least 1000 Tarrant County homeowners" a fee of $55 to file the form for them. One of the problems addressed in the article is that the company that sent the letters to these Tarrant County homeowners made the letters look "official," but had no phone number. Another problem noted was that many of the exemption applications tracked were sent to homeowners age 65 and older. They also promised to reduce the taxes the homeowners would pay.
The exemption form can usually be downloaded for free on the county tax assessment district website, printed and filled out by the homeowner, then mailed in. The assessment districts will also mail the form to homeowners at no charge.
Some things to remember about property tax exemptions:
The homestead exemption that is in place when you buy a new property stays in effect until the end of the calendar year in which you make your purchase.
The exemption form to establish your exemption must be submitted to the country appraisal/assessment district between January 1 and April 30 to qualify for the exemption(s).
The form needs to be submitted only once. If you continue to live in the home as your primary residence, the initial filing and exemption(s) stay in effect.
As a matter of practice, I mail my clients an exemption form near the end of the year in which they purchased their home. That way they have it early and can get it filed with the county tax assessor on time.
Click here for more information on Property Tax Exemptions in Texas.
If you have questions, or need help in purchasing or selling a home in the Austin area, please give me a call at 512.913.1557. 
Jim Gilbert, REALTOR, Heart of Austin Homes
Licensed (#0536692) to sell Real Estate in Austin and in the State of Texas
