“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 my mother forgot to return the senior renewal postcard your office mailed to her home.  I understand she will need to re-apply.  What are the eligibility requirements and how does she apply for the Low-Income Senior’s Tax Exemption?

J.S., Century Village, FL (via email)

Our office mailed over 24,000 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 2013, the renewal process simply requires them to sign and return the renewal post card to our office. If your mom did not receive the exemption in 2013, she will need to re-apply for 2014.  In order to qualify for the Low-Income Senior Exemption for 2014, applicant must be 65 years of age or older as of January 1, 2014 and have a combined household adjusted gross income for 2013 not exceeding $27,994. If your mom qualifies for this exemption, please follow the easy filing steps listed below:

If You File An Income Tax Return:

1. Complete Part (A), Part (C), and Part (D) of the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household.
2. Submit the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household to the Property Appraiser on or before March 1, 2014.
3. Submit a copy of your 2013 Income Tax Return Form 1040 and W-2 for all persons residing in your home (excluding renters and boarders) to the Property Appraiser no later than June 1, 2014

If You Do Not File An Income Tax Return:

1. Complete Part (A), Part (B), and Part (E) of the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household.
2. Complete Lines 1 – 4 of the IRS Form 4506 and sign the form.
3. Submit the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household, proof of age, and IRS Form 4506 to the Property Appraiser by March 1, 2014.
4. Submit a copy of your Social Security Statement (SSA 1099) to the Property Appraiser no later than June 1, 2014.

Our office staff will be happy to help you obtain and complete the necessary forms.  For more information about the Low-Income 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.  (2/14)

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