New Homestead Laws go into effect for Texas

I always send a reminder to closed clients on January 1 of the new year to apply for their homestead exemption status. New laws have gone into effect. Below is an article explaining those changes. To download a homestead exemption application, go to either Williamson County or Travis County appraisal district websites. New Homestead Law Now in Effect – A state law that took effect on September 1 changed proof of residency requirements for homeowners applying for the property tax homestead exemption. The new law requires applicants to provide a copy of their Texas driver’s license or state ID card and vehicle registration receipt. The documents must show the same address as the property for which the exemption is requested. Applicants who do not own a vehicle must provide a copy of a utility bill with the correct address. They must also provide an affidavit stating he or she does not own a vehicle. The new requirements also apply to applications for the over-65, disability, disabled veterans, homeowner’s surviving spouse and manufactured (mobile) home exemptions. They do not apply to homeowners who already have homestead exemptions.