Obtain the claim form from the County Assessor's office where the property is located. Submit the completed form to the same office. Once the exemption has been granted, it remains effective until a change in eligibility occurs, such as selling or moving out of the home. Annual filing is not required.
Declaration of Homestead – A document recorded by either a homeowner or head of household on his primary residence to protect his home from forced sale in satisfaction of certain types of creditors' claims. Decree of Distribution – Evidences the distribution of real property from the estate of a deceased person.
If you own and occupy your home as your principal place of residence on January 1, you may apply for an exemption of $7,000 off your assessed value for an annual savings of approximately $70 on your property taxes. New property owners will automatically receive an exemption application.
It provides a legal shield against creditors, preserves your home equity, and offers peace of mind in an unpredictable world.
WHAT IS A HOMESTEAD DECLARATION? A homestead declaration is a legal document that claims and registers a particular house as the owner's homestead or principle dwelling. This document helps to protect the house against loss to creditors.
At its core, homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of a homeowner's primary residence, meaning a portion of the home value will not be taxed. This reduction results in lower property tax bills.
The home must have been the principal place of residence of the owner on the lien date, January 1st. To claim the exemption, the homeowner must make a one-time filing with the county assessor where the property is located.
Homeowners exemption reduces taxable value, decreasing annual property tax. Homestead exemption protects home equity from creditor claims and during bankruptcy.
The protected amount is called the “homestead exemption.” All homeowners automatically have a homeowner's exemption, which protects part of their equity from involuntary sales (foreclosures). Recording a declaration of ownership extends this protection to voluntary sales.