Here is your first reminder to file your Texas Homestead Exemption form if you closed on your home by December 31, 2007. I like to remind people towards the end of February because hopefully you're done with your Holiday bills, and worrying about your W2s (1099's) from your employer, and you're starting to get your tax information ready.
You have until the end of April to actually file, but why wait until the last minute. Also, if you closed in 2008, you CANNOT file for this year. You must wait until next year before the end of April to file your exemptions.
It's good to do it as soon as possible so when you get your new Tax Assessment that first week of May, all your information will be correct. There are many companies that will charge you a pretty penny to file the exemption for you. DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO FILE ANYTHING!! IT'S FREE!!
All you need to do is go to your county appraisal's website and print off the form there. Some counties require a notary, while others do not. It takes less than 2 minutes to fill it out, so there is no excuse about not having time.
Here are some of the county links in my immediate area:
Dallas- www.dcad.org
Tarrant- www.tad.org
Collin- www.collincad.org
Denton- www.dentoncad.com
If you need help, you can call the appraisal districts' number listed on their website.
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Donna, During the first week of January I mail the homestead exemption form, instructions, and an addressed envelope to all of my buyers that closed on a home during the last year. I also send them letter explaining the homestead exemption. The statistic is that 50% of the homeowners that are eligible for the exemption do not have it.
Jill, I've thought about printing the forms out for each person as they close, but with the different counties, sometimes their names don't show up for months, and it's frustrating to keep going back in and checking. Your area might be different, but the main counties here have it so you print the form directly from that home owner's page so all their information is automatically input and they only have to answer the questions asked and stick it in an envelope.
Jill,
I have all surrounding counties in pdf format ready for email. I have a generic letter that I've customized step by step, especially with new construction. Getting a copy of the homestead notice that's been adjusted to the lender is just as important. The lag time isn't huge, but annoying if you like things done less than 6 months. I mail out the forms partially filled out for their convenience. Timely, but shows a personal service. I notice I get a few phone calls from previous clients when I do this.