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Airmen may be eligible for homestead tax exemption up to $50,000

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kirsten Wicker
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  This year, Airmen may qualify to file for a homestead tax exemption up to $50,000 in the state of Florida under certain conditions.

According to the Florida Department of Revenue, every person who owns and resides on real property in Florida as of January 1, 2011, and makes the property their permanent residence is eligible to file for a homestead exemption. The exemption is based upon the value of the property.

"The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes, including school district taxes," said Lisa Graham, Bay County Property Appraiser customer service and exemptions supervisor. "The additional exemption up to $25,000, applies to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and only to non-school taxes."

If one spouse holds the title to the property, the other spouse may file for the exemption with the consent of the titleholder.

If filing for the first time, Graham recommends answering these questions:
1. In whose name or names was the title to the dwelling recorded as of January 1?
2. What is the street address of the property?
3. How long have you been a legal resident of the State of Florida? (A Declaration of Domicile or Voter's Registration will be proof of date before January 1.)
4. Do you have a Florida license plate on your car and a Florida driver's license?
5. Were you living in the dwelling on January 1?

"You must own and physically occupy the home prior to January 1, no exceptions," she said. "Each applicant must be a Florida resident, even if you are a member of the military."

The application must be made by March 1, 2011. If the property already has an exemption on it, it will be removed as of December 31; it is the previous owner's exemption.

"All documentation needs to reflect your current Florida address," said Graham.
Military members who go overseas during the year may also be eligible for an additional $25,000 exemption based on how many days they were deployed.

"Airmen must file before leaving the area," said Mr. Karlos Hudson, 325th Fighter Wing legal office contact representative and tax center coordinator. "If an Airman is going overseas, they will be able to keep the exemption as long as Florida residency and a current Florida driver's license is maintained."

Graham will be on Tyndall from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wed., Jan. 12 and Wed., Feb. 9 in Bldg. 913 to answer any questions Airmen may have or to begin the application process. The tax center on base will open to assist Airmen filing their taxes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 28 in Bldg. 662. Call 283-1829 to make an appointment.

Some additional exemptions are available. For a complete list of those exemptions or for more information, visit http://dor.myflorida.com or call 248-8401.