Since homestead regulations vary by state -- and some states don't allow homestead exemptions -- get started by finding out the law and requirements in your state. In most states, the county tax assessor or appraiser handles homestead exemption paperwork and filing, so that's the place to begin.
Tips
If you own a home, it depends on the state where your property is located as to the eligibility requirements for you to claim homestead exemption. Different states have different regulations, which may include your age, your income and the value of your house. If you're eligible, file your homestead exemption with your county tax assessor's office.
Homestead Exemptions
Homestead exemptions fall into two categories, and not every state offering a homestead exemption permits both types. Tax exemptions reduce the value of a homestead by a specific amount, so that the homeowners pays less in school or property taxes. Creditor exemptions protect a certain amount of equity in the property from a court judgement.
In some states, filing a homestead declaration protects the legal equity limit on your home. In New York, the amount of the homestead exemption depends on your county of residence. A few states, such as Florida, have an unlimited exemption amount, so a even a mansion owner can't lose his home to a judgement creditor.
Homestead Qualifications
Make sure your property qualifies as a homestead. While statutes vary, what constitutes a homestead is quite standard. To qualify for a homestead exemption, the property must be your principal residence and owned by you or jointly owned with your spouse.
Certain states, such as Texas and Florida, allow most homeowners to file for a homestead exemption for their primary residence, while others restrict a homestead allowance only for particular categories of homeowner. In Ohio, for example, the 2019 income threshold for able-bodied homeowners under age 65 to qualify for the exemption is $32,800. State categories generally depend on:
- Age -- residents over the age of 65 may claim a homestead exemption
- Income
- People with disabilities
- Disabled veterans or their surviving spouses
- Surviving spouse of a member of the armed forces killed in action.
Warnings
You can only file for a homestead exemption in one state. If you and your spouse jointly own properties in different states, you can't file for a homestead exemption in each state, with you claiming the exemption in one state and your spouse in the other.
Filing for a Homestead Exemption
You can download the appropriate forms from your county assessor's website. Your local tax assessor may also have forms available. Be sure to file the forms by the date required in your jurisdiction. Although forms will differ, certain information is necessary. Besides the owner's name and residence address, you must provide:
- Driver license or official state identification numbers
- Social Security numbers
- Birth dates
You may need to provide proof of residency, such as:
- voter registration card
- utility bill
- tax returns
- mortgage payment records
If you are eligible for the homestead exemption because of a disability or similar qualification, you must provide proof, such as a Veterans Administration disability ratings letter. You may need to sign the homestead exemption form in front of a notary public.
After Filing
Once your homestead exemption is approved by the county assessor or appraiser, you should begin receiving any tax benefits offered by the exemption. These are reflected in your next tax bill. If you receive your annual tax bill and the exemptions have not been credited, contact your county assessor for an explanation.
References
- Ohio Department of Taxation: FAQs - Homestead Exemption
- Welcome to OurDocuments.gov
- Congressional Research Service. "Homestead Exemptions in Bankruptcy After the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA)," Summary Page. Accessed April 17, 2020.
- Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. "Property Tax Homestead Exemptions." Accessed April 17, 2020.
- Connecticut General Assembly, OLR Research Report. "State Homestead Exemption and Credit Programs." Accessed April 17, 2020.
- Congressional Research Service. "Homestead Exemptions in Bankruptcy After the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA)," Pages 4-46. Accessed April 17, 2020.
- Congressional Research Service. "Homestead Exemptions in Bankruptcy After the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA)," Pages 9 and 41. Accessed April 17, 2020.
- U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Law Revision Counsel. "11 USC 522: Exemptions." Accessed Feb. 2, 2020.
- Federal Register. "Revision of Certain Dollar Amounts in the Bankruptcy Code Prescribed Under Section 104(a) of the Code." Accessed Feb. 2, 2020.
- Congressional Research Service. "Homestead Exemptions in Bankruptcy After the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA)," Pages 31 and 36. Accessed April 17, 2020.
Writer Bio
A graduate of New York University, Jane Meggitt's work has appeared in dozens of publications, including Sapling, Zack's, Financial Advisor, nj.com, LegalZoom and The Nest.