Save on Your Property Taxes?

By now most people are aware that they had the opportunity to appeal their
property taxes with the reduction in property values. However not everyone is aware that this opportunity exists, but with a Homestead Exemption,you could save money on your property taxes.

Detailed information on this for Santa Clara County and San Mateo County is below:

Homeowners' Property Tax ExemptionHomeownership builds strong communities and represents an excellent long-term investment for millions of Americans.

Owning a home also provides significant financial and tax advantages. California, for example provides for a Homeowners'

Property Tax Exemption. This $7,000 reduction in the taxable value of a qualified owner-occupied home could save at

homeowners at least $70 each year on their property taxes and is one of the many benefits of homeownership that

Realtors® can advertise to prospective buyers. Courtesy of Betty Yee, Acting Member of the California Board of Equalization,

here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the exemption and information about how to apply

for the exemption if you or your clients are not already receiving it.

Q: Who is eligible for the homeowners' exemption?

A:

Homeowners who own and occupy a home in California as their principal residence on January 1st of the year for which

they are claiming the exemption.

Q: What type of dwelling units can qualify for the homeowners' exemption?

A:

Any of the following can qualify if it is your principal residence and is subject to property tax: a single family residence,

a condominium, a unit in a cooperative housing project, a houseboat, a manufactured home, or a mobile home. However,

manufactured homes and mobile homes that are subject to the California vehicle license fee instead of local property tax

do not qualify for the homeowners' exemption.

Q: How do I know if I am already receiving the homeowners' exemption?

A:

Your annual property tax bill should reflect a $7,000 reduction in the taxable value of your home if you are receiving

the exemption. It is always a good idea to double-check your tax bill each year, even if you have received the exemption for

many years.

Q: How do I apply for the homeowners' exemption if I am not already receiving it?

A:

Your county assessor will provide you with a simple form to complete, free of charge. San Mateo County residents

should contact Warren Slocum, San Mateo County's Assessor at 650-363-4500 or assessor@smcare.org. Santa Clara

County residents should contact Larry Stone, the Santa Clara County Assessor at 408-299-5500 or

assessor@asr.co.scl.ca.us. If you were receiving the exemption for your home in previous years but did not receive it this

year, contact your county assessor to make sure your exemption was not removed in error. However, if you failed to apply

for the exemption in previous years, it cannot be granted retroactively.

Q: What is the deadline for filing a homeowners' exemption claim with the county assessor?

A:

To receive 100% of the allowable exemption, you must file an exemption claim form with your county assessor by

February 15th. If you file between February 16th and December 10th, you can still qualify for a partial exemption of the

lesser of $5,600 or 80% of the taxable value of your principal residence.

Q: Will I need to reapply for the homeowners' exemption each year?

A:

No. Once you have qualified for the homeowners' exemption, you should automatically receive the exemption for each

year you remain eligible. You should double-check your annual property tax bill just to be sure.

Q: Can I receive two exemptions if I own two homes?

A:

No. Only your principal residence can qualify for the homeowners' exemption. If you are receiving the exemption for a

home that no longer qualifies, it is your responsibility to notify your county assessor in a timely manner that your home is

no longer eligible for the exemption.

Q: Can I receive a homeowners' exemption if I receive Homeowner Property Tax Assistance?

A:

Yes. If you otherwise qualify for the homeowners' exemption, you can receive both benefits.

Homeowner Property Tax Assistance is provided to qualified homeowners based on the amount of property tax assessed

and paid on their home. You may be eligible for property tax assistance if you are 62 years of age or older, blind or disabled,

own and live in your own home, and meet certain household income limitations. For additional information regarding

homeowner property tax assistance, contact the California Franchise Tax Board at 1-800-868-4171.

Q: My home was damaged or destroyed in a recent natural disaster. Can I still qualify for the exemption even

though I am not currently living in my home?

A:

Yes. Recent law changes allow you to continue receiving the exemption even if you are not presently living in your home

as a result of specific natural disasters for which the Governor has declared a state of emergency. However, it is best to

check with your county assessor as to whether the natural disaster that damaged or destroyed your home was included in

the recent law changes. As you can see, the homeowners' property tax exemption can be an important and valuable benefit

to qualifying homeowners. If you are unsure about whether you qualify for the exemption or if you have additional

questions, please contact the San Mateo County Assessor's office at 650-363-4500 or assessor@smcare.org. Santa Clara

County residents should contact their Assessor's office at 408-299-5500 or assessor@asr.co.scl.ca.us