“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal”
Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions…
“Report Homestead Exemption Fraud”
Dear Lori:
I’m a Realtor® in Deerfield Beach and concerned about homeowners who are fraudulently claiming Homestead Exemption on second homes and investment properties. I live locally and want to help. How can I report these abuses and help the county collect the much needed funds?
E.B., Deerfield Beach, FL (via email)
Property owners who file false applications to obtain a Homestead Exemption are breaking the law and causing you to pay more in property taxes each year. Why? Because your various taxing authorities, such as the County, City and School Board, must equitably divide the tax burden among all property owners within their jurisdictions in order to provide services such as police, fire, and schools. If someone lies to lower his or her taxes, someone else must pay more to make up the difference.
Our office aggressively seeks to stop Homestead fraud and catch homeowners in Broward who are fraudulently claiming a Homestead Exemption on their properties. We work with local governments, homeowner and civic associations to help identify exemption fraud. We also rely on anonymous phone and mail tips about potential Homestead fraud.
If you know of anyone claiming Homestead Exemption on a property which is not their primary residence, we urge you to contact our Department of Professional Standards and Compliance at 954.357.6900 or http://www.bcpa.net/fraudform.
Property owners who fraudulently obtain a Homestead Exemption can be back taxed for as many as ten years, plus be required to pay substantial penalty and annual interest (50% of the unpaid taxes for each year and pay interest at a rate of 15% per year).
Sincerely,
Lori Parrish, CFA
If you have a question for Lori, please email her at lori@bcpa.net or write to her at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 111, and Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. (12/14)
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