How do I apply my homestead exemption to my taxes?

[NatalieC · Accepted solution]

Homestead exemption is a reduction in the assessed valuation of the real estate you use as your main home (which results in an overall lower real estate tax bill). The exemption is not entered anywhere on your federal income tax return.

Homestead exemptions are usually filed at your county courthouse, at the tax assessor's office.

[Uanmer2b]

Would like 2 get my taxes done but am also,wanting 2 add in homestead 2 my tax returns does turbo tax offer that?

[rogerpegjones]

Turbo filed my tax last night, I always get a homestead refund of 700$ or more.  How can I get this, I have always just filed with AARP and they took care of it.  I am on fixed income and need this.

[LenaH]

What state do you reside in? Numerous states have the Homestead credit. Please comment back and I can assist you further. 

@rogerpegjones

[hincej80]

First year owning my house and I filed the homestead with my county. I didn't see anywhere where it applied any additional refund into my taxes on Turbo... how do I check this? 

[KrisD15]

Depends on the state, but usually the homestead credit is added to the state return or decreases your property tax (which would not be on a tax return at all). 

[pookiebear2468]

I live in Pennsylvania, and have been approved for the Homestead/Farmstead exclusion, but don't know how to apply it when filing my tax return.

[ThomasM125]

@pookiebear2468 The Homestead Tax Exemption in Pennsylvania is a reduction of your property tax, it is not associated with your income tax filing. You can learn more about it here:

 https://dced.pa.gov/local-government/property-tax-relief-homestead-exclusion/

[Jesus1s1]

I am filing state return using turbo tax how do I get my credit for homestead also

[Jesus1s1]

I am filing state return using turbo tax  (in Texas) how do I get my credit for homestead also

[PattiF]

Texas does not have a state income tax and no return is needed for the state. You would file for the homestead exemption separately. Click on the Application for Residential Homestead Exemption and follow the instructions.

 How do I get a general $25,000 homestead exemption?

For the $25,000 general homestead exemption, you may submit an Application for Residential Homestead Exemption (PDF) and supporting documentation, with the appraisal district where the property is located. Once you receive the exemption, you do not need to reapply unless the chief appraiser sends you a new application. In that case, you must file the new application. If you should move or your qualification ends, you must inform the appraisal district in writing before the next May 1st. A list of appraisal district addresses and phone numbers is available online.

[user17710839399]

How to apply for. Homestead exemption for the property tax exemption 

[LindaS5247]

Generally speaking, homestead exemptions are applied for through your own local county tax assessor’s office. However, some states, such as Michigan, do offer a specific "homestead property tax credit" that can be claimed in the state section of TurboTax. Other states have certain property tax credits that offer a tax credit for the state's property taxes you have paid. New York state, for instance, has a real property tax credit.

If your particular state offers a state homestead property tax credit or other form of property tax credit, you will be asked questions regarding it as you go through your state tax return interview.  TurboTax will determine if the credit applies to your situation and if you are eligible, the program will determine your tax credit.

A homestead exemption generally has no direct effect on your federal tax return. It does reduce your local property tax bill, which may in turn decrease the total itemized deductions (property taxes) you claim in TurboTax. It is a state/local, not federal, tax reduction. 

Click here for How do I contact my state Department of Revenue?

Click here for Claiming Property Taxes on Your Tax Return

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