Ask Lori ....Parrish on Appraisal

“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 I turned 65 and would like some information regarding the Senior’s Tax Exemption. What are the eligibility requirements and how do I apply for this exemption?

R.T., Pompano Beach, FL

Every year many Broward senior citizens become eligible to claim a Low-Income Additional Homestead Exemption – which applies only to the County’s portion of the taxes and city taxes for residents of cities that also adopted the additional exemption. This exemption saves the average Broward senior nearly $300 each year in property taxes. In order to qualify for the Low-Income Senior Exemption for 2011, applicant must be 65 years of age or older as of January 1, 2011 AND have a combined household adjusted gross income for 2010 not exceeding $26,203. If you qualify 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, 2011.

3. Submit a copy of your 2010 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.

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, 2011.

4. Submit a copy of your Social Security Statement (SSA 1099) to the Property Appraiser no later than June 1, 2011.

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 Division at954.357.6830.

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. (12/10

Robert L. Wolfe, Jr. CFE
Community Outreach Specialist II
954.357.6871 – office
954.357.8474 – fax
954.445.5732 – cell

rwolfe@bcpa.net

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