stop...Elvis time

New Laws and the Homestead Exemption in Texas

Hey, Guys, here we are at the beginning of September and you know what that means...thanks to the hard work of your political heroes in Austin, a whole mess of new laws (nearly 700 of them) go into effect.  Following is an explanation of just one of the new laws that has an effect on real estate and what we do every day:

AUSTIN (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, KXAN.com) – A state law that took effect yesterday has changed proof of residency requirements for homeowners applying for the property tax homestead exemption.

The new law requires applicants to provide a copy of their Texas driver’s license or state ID card and vehicle registration receipt. The documents must show the same address as the property for which the exemption is requested.

Applicants who do not own a vehicle must provide a copy of a utility bill with the correct address. They must also provide an affidavit stating he or she does not own a vehicle.

The new requirements also apply to applications for the over-65, disability, disabled veterans, homeowner’s surviving spouse and manufactured (mobile) home exemptions. They do not apply to homeowners who already have homestead exemptions.