Robert G. Earl, Assessor       

Residential Homestead Exemption

Homeowners who own and occupy their property as their principal residence can qualify for the Residential Exemption.

This exemption deducts $5,500 from the home's assessed value prior to the calculation of the property tax bill. Homeowners do not need to re-apply each year; however, buyers of homes that did not have the Residential Exemption at the time of sale need to file an application to begin receiving the exemption.

Requirements:
Under ordinary circumstances, a Residential Homestead Exemption remains in effect for the life of the home and you do not need to reapply. You only need to apply for the Residential Exemption if you are first owning and occupying a newly built home or a home that was previously a rental property (or otherwise non-owner occupied):

• Newly built homes: The property must be owned and occupied as your principal residence anytime during the calendar year in which the application is made in order to receive the exemption.
  
• Existing Homes previously leased (or otherwise non-owner occupied): The property must be owned and occupied as your principal residence prior to January 1st of the current assessment year in which your application is made in order to receive the exemption.