Tax Tip

This year, the Texas State Legislature is requiring ALL appraisal districts in the state to start a program in which they verify residential homesteads. The legislature doesn’t give any guidance as to how it will be conducted, and of course, it will cost the taxpayers lots of money.

Here in Bowie County, the district is working on getting new homestead applications filled out by as many people as possible in the “over 65” category while people are in the office paying taxes. Next year, the district will be working on “General Homesteads.”

If you live in Texas and are near the office at 122 Plaza West, please stop by and file for a new one. Each application filed in the office is one less that will need to be mailed. If you don’t file for a new Homestead, you risk losing the homestead for the year you didn’t refile. It takes about five minutes to do. All you do is sign the form and provide a copy of your driver’s license.

I would encourage everyone to take care of this as soon as possible, or if you receive one in the mail, please return it as quickly as possible. If you have any questions, call 903-793-8936; we will gladly help.