How to save on property tax

That’s where you can find money to help with property taxes, mortgages, and overdue utility bills.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas. Reduce your property tax bill by lowering the value of your home with a homestead tax exemption. In San Antonio, get $5,000 or 10% off your home appraisal. In Bexar County, you can get a $5,000 or 20% discount.

“Basically, the more expensive your home is, the more farm assistance you get,” said Albert Uresti, Bexar County tax collector.

You must own and live in your home to qualify for an exemption. Also, the address on your driver’s license or government ID must match the address of the property. The Bexar County Revenue Agency estimates that approximately 90,000 homes are eligible for the exemption.

A homeowner living in Bexar County and the City of San Antonio with a $300,000 home would save an average of $800 with homestead tax exemption. Plus, you’ll keep your savings for years to come.

“Limit the growth of your values,” Uresti said.

The value of your home cannot increase by more than 10% per year if you have a homestead tax exemption.

You can apply for a farm exemption at any time, but apply by April 30 to receive the maximum refund. You will receive money for the previous two years. Apply after April 30th and you will receive a refund within one year.

There are services that charge you to apply, but do it yourself for free.

“You don’t want to use them to apply because they will get 50% of the money you have,” Uresti said. “Worse, they get 50% APR up front.”

There are also other benefits you may qualify for that will reduce your property tax bill, including benefits for homeowners aged 65 and over, the disabled, 100% disabled war veterans, and survivor spouses of a member. soldiers killed or mortally wounded in the line of duty.

Additionally, homeowners struggling with property taxes, mortgages, or past due utility bills can also apply for the Homeowner Assistance Program (HAF). This is a grant of up to $65,000 in aid. To be eligible, you must be:

  • Delay in one or more payments, including mortgage, property tax, property insurance, or utility/HOA fees.
  • Your household income must be less than $79,900.
  • You must own and occupy a home as your primary residence.
  • You must have experienced financial hardship after January 21, 2020 and lost income or increased expenses due to the pandemic.

Required documents include:

  • An approved form of identification, such as a driver’s license, social security card, military ID, government ID, or birth certificate.
  • A verified tax return such as a W2, IRS Form 1099, income tax return, payroll, or employer’s certificate.
  • Evidence of wrongdoing, such as an unpaid tax return or notice from a tax lawyer.

You can only apply for the HAF program online, but the following places can help you with your application if you don’t have a computer:

  • BiblioTech Ext: 1203 N. Walters St., San Antonio, 78202
  • BiblioTech West: st. S. Zarzamora, 2003, San Antonio, 78207.
  • BiblioTech South: 3505 Pleasanton Rd., San Antonio, 78221.

Or, you can apply for a homestead HAF exemption at the Bexar County Tax Assessor’s office at 233 N. Pecos La Trinidad, San Antonio, 78207.

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The post How to save on property tax

first appeared on Texas Standard News.

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