Property taxes in Texas, exemption question? HELP!?

Question

Own home, husband passed away, but, I was not 55 when he passed away, I was widowed at 50. This pertains to homestead exemption and disability tax exemption for our property, but as a widow under the age limited by law to recieve surviving spouse's exemption, what to do now? I did not report his death in 1993, and to date, both our names are still on the deed, and the exemption disappeared in 1998, for an unknown reason not available to me, until today, the appraisal district said that I had not responded to any correspondence in referrence to the exemption on the house, they had on file the wrong address!! I now owe an amazing sum of back taxes,penalties,and interst mounting ...!!! What the heck do I do? I know that I am qualified for an exemption, but can not get that granted because of owing on taxes--which are not my fault, either, because I did not recieve any notices from the data on appraisor's end--wrong address!! What to do/ I am only 64, and still don't qualify?!

I am trying to file for an extension/application to renew the exemption...anyone know what to file? Also, will I still owe on the taxes prior??

Answer 1

Sadly, you are not required to get a notice to owe the taxes. If you are eligible for the exemption as a surviving spouse, then you need to file for the exemption. They should not disallow your filing for the exemption, just because they say you owe. At least that the case in Dallas. You may have to call a property tax attorney. (There's a million of them in the yellow pages). Still, go down there in person, with your husband's death certificate and the appropriate forms that should be available at their website.

I don't know what county you live in. Search your county's website. Yes the exemption will backdate if approved.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

My mother is 80 and still paying taxes on her home. She does not have the income to pay anymore. Is there a Texas relief law that helps the elderly over the age of 65?

Answer 4

You advise deduction no longer exemption. sure, it truly is in accordance with once you "pay" the tax. I attempt this with land I personal in WI the position the bill is offered in December and is due through Jan 31 (and/or 2d installment July 31). I did that many years in the past. This twelve months I did both installments and intend to pay next twelve months tax this December. i won't be able to attempt this with my homestead in IL because tax expenses come out in would and are due June a million/Sept a million.