Are you looking for ways to decrease your property tax liability without giving up valuable investments like your home? The Brazoria County homestead exemption is an extension of the Texas homestead exemption and can help you lower your property taxes.
Eligibility Requirements for Homestead Exemption in Brazoria County, Texas
If you meet the following criteria, getting property tax relief through the Brazoria County Appraisal District is fairly simple.
Principal Homestead Residence Criteria
To receive the basic homestead exemption, you must meet the following:
You must be a Texas resident who owns or is a partial owner of the property.
The property must be your primary residence on or before January 1st of the tax year you're applying for.
It can’t be a second home or a rental.
Types of Residence Homestead Exemptions Available
Standard $100,000 Homestead Exemption
Since Brazoria County is in Texas, residents automatically qualify for a standard state-wide $100,000 homestead exemption. This applies only to the portion of property taxes that fund school districts. So when school taxes are calculated, the taxable value of that part of your property decreases by $100,000.
Special Considerations for Seniors and Disabilities
These exemptions are available to property owners with a disability or those over 65 years old. Because Brazoria County property taxes fund schools, with this exemption, your school tax rate is frozen and can’t increase unless you make improvements that increase the property value, such as adding a deck or accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
These exemptions can reduce your liability by another $10,000.
Military Veteran Exemptions
There are additional property tax exemptions for veterans, disabled veterans, or surviving spouses of deceased veterans.
Disabled veterans with the correct disability rating of individual unemployability may receive an additional exemption.
Veterans who are 100% disabled may receive a complete exemption from all property taxes on their primary residence.
A 100% disabled veteran’s surviving spouse who has not remarried and whose deceased spouse met the veterans or disabled veterans exemption qualification at the time of death may receive an exemption.
If a veteran dies while on duty, their spouse may receive a homestead exemption.
Inherited Property Exemptions
Inherited property can also qualify for the homestead exemption as long as the same criteria are met. It must be your primary residence, you must be the owner on the legal title, and you must live in the house as of January 1st of the tax year.
Application Process for Homestead Exemption
The application process requires extensive paperwork, and the information on the documentation must match your application. The legislature often changes the numbers and percentages associated with the homestead exemptions. If you don't have the time or patience, Ownwell can handle the process for you. We can even help you retroactively apply for missed homestead exemptions from two years ago, so the professionals at Ownwell are happy to handle the process for you.
Required Documentation
To apply for the homestead exemption in Brazoria County, you must have the following documentation:
Proof of residence, such as voter registration, utility bills, or another official document that shows the property in question is your primary residence.
Proof of ownership, such as a property title or deed. If you inherited the property, a probate court order, will, or affidavit of heirship is adequate.
Proof of identity and that you are a Texas citizen, such as a Texas ID Card or a Texas driver’s license.
Finding and Completing the Brazoria County Homestead Exemption Application Online
The Residential Homestead Exemption Application, or Form 50-114, is available on the Brazoria Central Appraisal District website.
Submission Methods: Mail, In-Person, and Online Options
The form can be submitted in person, by mail, or online.
Important Deadlines to Remember
There are two deadlines to remember when considering the Texas Homestead Exemption. You must live in the home as of January 1st of the tax year you’re applying for.
Then, the application must be completed with all relevant documentation by April 30th to get the exemption for the following tax year. You can qualify for a retroactive exemption for up to two years, but it's usually best to stick to the deadlines.
Getting Help From Ownwell
Not only is the process often cumbersome and confusing, but the requirements can change with updated tax law, and your application may be denied. If this happens, there is an appeal process.
At Ownwell, we handle everything from applications to any appeal that comes about. We don’t collect money unless you save money, and our property tax experts are up to date on any changes that affect your pocketbook.
See how much you're overpaying on property taxes from missed exemptions.
