“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal”

Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions…

“File now for the Low-Income Senior’s Additional Homestead Exemption!”

Dear Lori:

Last year was the first time I qualified for the Low-Income Senior Additional Homestead Exemption.  I understand I have to re-apply every year?  How do I re-apply and did any eligibility requirements change for 2016?

J.P., Deerfield Beach, FL (via email)

 

Our office mailed 22,447 senior renewal notice postcards in January this year.   The Senior’s Low-Income Additional Homestead Exemption – which applies only to the county and city portion of the taxes – saves the average Broward senior nearly $300 each year.  This exemption must be renewed annually. For seniors who received this exemption in 2015, the renewal process simply requires them to sign and return the renewal post card to our office. If you have not received your 2016 senior renewal card, please contact our office so you may continue to benefit from the Low-Income Additional Senior Exemption.  In order to qualify for the Low-Income Senior Exemption for 2016, applicant must be 65 years of age or older as of January 1, 2016 and have a combined household adjusted gross income for 2015 not exceeding $28,482. If you or anyone you know qualifies for this exemption, please follow the easy filing steps listed below:

 

If You File An Income Tax Return:

  1. Complete Part (1) of the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household.
  2. Complete the Certification section of the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household (located at the bottom of page 1).
  3. Submit the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household to our office on or before the March 1, 2016 Deadline.
  4. Submit a copy of your 2015 Income Tax Return Form 1040 for all persons residing in your home (excluding renters and boarders) to our office no later than June 1, 2016

 

If You Do Not File An Income Tax Return:

  1. Complete Part (1), and (3) including the statement of income located on page 2 of the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household.
  2. Complete the Certification section of the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household (located at the bottom of page 1).
  3. Complete Lines 1 – 4 of the IRS Form 4506-T and sign the form.
  4. Submit the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household, proof of age, and IRS Form 4506-T to our office on or before the March 1, 2016 Deadline.
  5. Submit a copy of your 2015 Social Security Statement (SSA 1099) to our office by June 1, 2016.

 

The cities of Miramar, Oakland Park, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, and Dania Beach have approved a Long-Term Residency Low-Income Senior Exemption which applies to the city portion of the ad valorem property tax bill for qualified seniors.  This exemption is only available to homeowners who qualify for Senior Low-Income Exemption and (1) own a home with a market value less than $250,000, and (2) lived in the home for at least 25 years.

 

Our office staff will be happy to help you obtain and complete the necessary forms.  For more information about the Low-Income Senior Exemption, and Long-Term Senior Exemption or to obtain the necessary forms, please visit our website at www.bcpa.net or contact our Customer Service Department at 954.357.6830.

 

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, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.  (2/16)

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