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Top Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs):
1.
What is homestead exemption and how can I claim it?
Owner
occupied property is assessed at 10% of its fair market value.
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The
State, County and certain municipalities give credit on the assessed value of
an owner-occupied single-family dwelling.
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The
State allows tax credit on the first $4000 ($26.00) of assessed value.
Jefferson County allows tax credit on the first $2000 ($27.00). The cities of
Homewood and Birmingham allow a tax credit.
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Bring
your deed or proof of ownership to any tax assessor location and ask to claim
your homestead exemption.
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You
must own and occupy the property. You are entitled to only one homestead.
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The
owner who lives on the property must be the one to sign for the exemption.
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Exemptions
must be claimed by December 31 for next tax year.
2.
What about senior citizens or disability exemptions?
To
apply for senior citizens or disability exemption you must bring proof of age
(birth certificate or driver’s license) and most recent Federal and State
income tax returns to the Tax Assessor's office between October 1 and
December 31 to be eligible for exemption on the next year’s tax.
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You
must own and occupy the single family residence. You must be 65 years of age
or considered disabled as of October 1.
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To
apply for the disability exemption, we require 2 proofs of disability (letter
from doctor, social security, or company disability letter stating the
individual is totally and permanently disabled).
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Total
or partial exemption is based on income. Anyone over 65 years of age will be
entitled to exemption on the State's portion of property tax.
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This
exemption must be claimed in advance. The current tax bill will still need to
be paid. This exemption must be renewed annually.
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Person
claiming exemption or someone with power of attorney can claim the exemption.
3. Exemptions
for Organizations
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Property
owned by an exempt entity and used totally and exclusively for religious,
charitable or educational purposes shall be exempted from payment of property
taxes.
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The
entire property must be used for the purpose for which application is made.
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Religious
or charitable ownership or non-profit use does not automatically exempt the
property.
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