Don't Miss March 1 Deadline for 2012 Homestead Exemption

When most people think taxes this time of year, they are thinking about their IRS taxes - but don't miss another important deadline... the deadline to file for Homestead Exemption on your primary residence and save on your Property Taxes. 

If you changed your primary residence during 2011 you have until March 1, 2012 to apply for your exemption this year. In the past, I've met people who moved to the Clearwater area and just assumed it would happen as a result of buying a property and unfortunately it doesn't. You do have to personally apply for it.

In the video, I explain why it's important to get your Homestead Exemption as soon as you can. Last week we were working with a couple moving to Clearwater Beach and to our surprise, the Mandalay Beach Club condo they wanted to buy had it's just taxable value jump over 30 percent year to year. To say they were shocked is an understatement, so don't assume values used to calculate your taxes are going down either. Like college professors are famous for answering when you ask a question, "It depends." It really does all depend on what exactly happened in your neighborhood (and surrounding neighborhoods) this past year. 

Here's a list of items the Pinellas County Property Appraiser will want you to bring:

• driver’s license number and expiration date,
• place of birth,
• where you lived prior to here,
• date you became a resident,
• date you purchased the property,
• social security number,
• are you employed and location,
• phone contact info and permission to gather information like phone or utility records to show you live here,
• also asked if you own or lease a vehicle
• The address you used on your last federal income tax return 

The good news is you can apply for your Homestead Exemption online or in person at the Pinellas County offices. 

I know this can be confusing, so feel free to contact me if you have any local real estate questions or leave them in the comments below.