Homestead Exemption Deadline Quickly Approaching

Thursday is the deadline for homeowners who qualify to apply for a savings of up to $500 on their property-tax bills. The homestead exemption allows owners to reduce the taxable value of their home by $25,000, resulting in a tax savings of up to $500. To qualify for the exemption, homeowners must show proof of residence as of Jan. 1. Other requirements vary from county to county but generally include:
A recorded deed or tax bill.Some form of identification (such as a state drivers license or state identification card) showing the homeowner's Social Security number. A resident alien card for noncitizens. Voter ID cards or vehicle registration also might be required. Applications are available at the county property appraisers' filing locations and on the appraisers' Web site. They can be mailed or hand delivered. Applications that are mailed must be postmarked by Thursday. If you received the exemption last year, you don't have to refile unless you have moved. For details, call the county or visit the appraiser's Web site. Here are the locations for filing Monday through Thursday:
Lake County Property Appraiser's Offices: 317 W. Main St., Tavares, 352-343-9748, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 912 Avenida Central, Lady Lake, 352-750-4545, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.; Minneola City Hall Building, 800 N. U.S. Highway 27, Minneola, 352-394-5116, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.