(Amounts Vary)

Additional homestead exemptions of up to $25,000 are decided by County and City Commissioners but it is important to note that school taxes and independent tax districts (such as water management districts) cannot be waived. Seminole County Commissioners voted to allow $50,000 of assessed value be exempted for qualified Seniors from county millage.  City of Altamonte Springs qualified seniors will also receive $50,000 of assessed value to be exempted from the city millage - beginning in Tax Year 2008; qualified senior applicants residing in the City of Casselberry are already entitled to exemption from city millage = $5,000 of assessed value.  These additional exemptions are in excess of the standard homestead exemption.

*If the property owner already has the Senior exemption in place, the additional exemptions will be applied – there is no need to contact this office.  New applicants will be exempted accordingly. 

  How Is The Property Appraiser Going To Notify Individuals Who May Qualify?

•  For your convenience, applications with instructions are being included with automatic homestead renewal notices scheduled to be mailed  towards the end of January.

  How Do I Qualify?

•  An application – or renewal application - must be made each year by March 1^st.
•  At least one owner must be 65 years of age as of January 1^st in the year that application is made.
• Total household income must not exceed the limit imposed by law (starting January 1, 2001, the $24,214 annual income limit will be adjusted annually by the percentage change in the average cost-of-living index).

   What Type Of Documentation Is Required?

•  A completed and signed application.
•  Proof of the applicant(s) age and non-social security income.

   What Is Acceptable For Proof Of Age?

•  A valid Florida drivers license or Florida ID card.
•  Certified copy of a birth certificate.
•  A marriage certificate showing full name and date of birth.
•  A valid passport.
•  Any other official or certified record that demonstrates the applicant(s) true age to the satisfaction of the property appraiser.

  How Is Total Household Income Defined?

•  It means “Adjusted Gross Income” as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (Using Tax Return Information:  Form 1040 - Line 37, Form 1040-A – Line 4, and Form 1040-EZ – Line 4).

•  Household Income also means income that would be subject to tax if you were required to file a federal tax return.
•  Social security income is excluded unless some of your social security is subject to income tax.
•  Household income includes payment that you received from renters or boarders but excludes income that they earned or received.

  Do I Have To Provide Proof Of Income?

•  State law does not allow the property appraiser to grant a senior’s exemption unless supporting documentation of household income is filed with your application (includes each member of your household except renters or boarders).

•  Household income stated on your application should be supported and accompanied by copies of any corresponding tax returns, wage and earnings statements (W-2 forms), 1099 forms, etc. 
•  It is not necessary to provide us with copies of statements that you receive from the Social Security Administration.

  Time Saving Suggestions

•  If you decide to stop by in person, please bring copies of your proof of age and income. Or -
•  Use the convenience of mail and avoid long lines at our counters (be sure to sign and date your application and attach proofs of age and income).