Additional $25,000 Homestead Exemption
for Persons 65 and Over
Every person who is eligible for the Homestead Exemption is eligible for an additional Homestead Exemption up to $25,000 under the following circumstances: (1) the county or municipality adopts an ordinance that allows the additional Homestead Exemption which applies ONLY to the taxes levied by the unit of government granting the exemption; (2) the taxpayer is 65 years of age or older on January 1 of the year for which the exemption is claimed; (3) the annual household income of the taxpayer (defined as adjusted gross income as defined in s. 62, United States Internal Revenue Code of all members of a household) for the prior year does not exceed $22,693 (beginning January 1, 2005, this income threshold is adjusted by the percentage change in the average cost-of-living index); and, (4) the taxpayer annually submits a sworn statement of household income to the Property Appraiser not later than March 1.
SUMMARY REQUIREMENTSIRS FILERS: BY
Sworn Statement of Household Income March 1 Proof of age March 1 2005 IRS Return (for the 2006 exemption) June 1 June 1 Information required for all persons living June 1 in the household DOCUMENTS FOR NON FILERS: BY
Sworn Statement of Household Income March 1 Proof of age March 1 IRS Form 4506 March 1 Social Security Statement June 1 Worksheet E (DR 501C) June 1 Supporting documents of Sworn Statement June 1 of Household Income Information required for all persons June 1 living in the household
FORMS: Any of the forms can be downloaded by clicking here. This will take you to our PDF Form Library which will allow you to download forms and software that should enable you to print them on most home printers. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Q. Does my adjusted gross income calculation include my social security benefits? A. Most of the time it does not. If you are single and 1/2 of your social security benefits plus your other taxable income is $25,000 to $34,000, then 50% of your social security benefits would be included. If you are married and 1/2 of your social security benefits plus your other taxable income is $32,000 to $44,000,then 50% of your social security benefits would be included. Q. Do both of us have to be 65 years of age to qualify? A. Every person who is eligible for the Homestead Exemption is eligible for an additional Senior Homestead Exemption up to $25,000. Only one of the applicants need to be 65 years of age or older. Q. Do I have to have my current income tax statement completed before I can file for this exemption? A. No. You must file for the exemption between January 1, and March 1, but you have until June 1, to bring in your current year Income Tax Return if you are an IRS filer. If you are a non IRS filer, please refer to that section above for the information required and the respective due date. Florida Law states that the Property Appraiser may not grant the exemption without the required documentation. But remember you have until June 1 to return these supporting documents to our office. Q. The IRS told me that I don't have to file an income tax return because my income is too low. How do I prove to you my adjusted gross income? A. We have a Senior Homestead Specialist, to help you do your income statement and worksheet. You should reference the Summary Requirements Section above before you come into the office to expedite your application. You must bring all 1099's with you for the prior year. You will also be asked to sign an 8821 Form from the IRS giving our office permission to verify income information from the IRS. Q. Do I have to file for this exemption every year? A. Yes. This exemption is based on household income which is subject to change each year. Q. I can't find my Birth Certificate and I don't drive, how do I prove my age? A. Florida Law lists documents that should be considered sufficient proof of age. Certified copy of birth certificate; Florida driver's license, Baptismal Certificate, displaying full name and date of birth; Copy of life insurance policy that has been in effect for at least two years; Marriage certificate, showing full name and date of birth; Passport; Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as Alien Registration Card); Any other official and/or certified record or document that demonstrates the applicant's true age to the satisfaction of the Property Appraiser. All our office will need to prove your age, is one of these documents. Q. Which line on my IRS Return do I use to see if I qualify for the Senior Homestead Exemption? A. On IRS Form 1040, the adjusted gross income amount is shown on Line 33. On IRS Form 1040A, the adjusted gross income amount is shown on Line 18. If you need further assistance, we would be more than happy to answer your questions either in person, or by telephone (437-7450), or by facsimile (437-7453), or by e-mail (flcpa@flaglercountypropertyappraisers.com).