Just a reminder to those who have purchased new homes: Don't forget to apply for your Homestead Exemption if you have not already done so. There's just a few days left to do so. You may have already filed at any time since your closing date, and I hope you have, but this is a valuable exemption, and I don't want you to miss out; if you fail to file on time for the Homestead Exemption, you will be disqualified for this tax year. Since there is so little time to get forms mailed back and forth, go in person to your county's tax office (the county where the home is located). You only have to do this one time and then it is automatically renewed.
You also need to apply for the Exemption if there has been any change in the name of the homeowner.
If you are active military, please check with your JAG officer about the differences between the Homestead Exemption and the Soldiers & Sailors Civil Relief Act to see whether filing for the Exemption may actually be to your disadvantage.
You may need the following information to complete the forms for filing: Copy of Warranty Deed, Date of Purchase, Name of Previous Owner, Copy of Closing Statement, Name of Mortgage Company, Loan Number and Loan Amount, Social Security Number.