The recent session of the Texas Legislature imposed new standards of mandatory disclosure for those property owners who apply for any one of several kinds of homestead exemptions starting September 1.

Applicants must provide the following:

• Homestead exemption applicants must submit a copy of Texas Driver License (Texas ID for non licensed drivers) AND their vehicle registration receipt. If no vehicle is owned - an affidavit of no vehicle and a copy of a utility bill must be submitted. The name and address on the utility bill must be the same as the address on the application for a homestead exemption.
• Applicants must affirm no other Homestead is claimed in or outside of Texas.
• Documents MUST be in the applicant's name and reflect the homestead property address for which the exemption is sought.
  

The Chief appraiser is prohibited from granting the exemption unless the address of the property matches the address on the driver's license and registration receipt or utility bill.

The new requirement that takes effect on September 1, 2011 is required for any one of the several ways property owners can qualify for a residential property homestead. These include the following:

• General residential exemption
• Over-65 exemption
• Disability exemption
• 100% disabled veterans exemption
• Extension of exemption for a surviving spouse
• Exemption for manufactured (mobile) home

Each of the exemptions cited above have additional requirements for qualification. However, the common standard is that all such applicants & spouse must provide the additional documentation as noted before regarding driver's license, Texas issued identification card, motor vehicle registration, and utility billing receipt. The exemption is not an annual application but you must re apply if the chief appraiser requests and all requirements must be met.

For those seeking homestead exemption status on a manufactured home, the applicant must also provide documentation as noted below:

• Statement of ownership and location issued by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
• A copy of the purchase contract or payment receipt that shows the applicant is the purchaser of the manufactured home, OR, a sworn affidavit that:
1. The applicant is the owner of the manufactured home
2. The seller of the manufactured home did not provide the applicant with a purchase contract, and
3. The applicant could not locate the seller after making a good faith effort

The new homestead exemption form and the referenced affidavits will be posted on the effective date of the new legislation (September 1) on the Cameron Appraisal District website.

For additional information about property tax homestead exemptions, contact CAD’s Taxpayer Assistance department at 956-399-9322 between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM Monday-Friday or the Texas State Comptroller.