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Lakeland and Polk County Florida Real Estate Update: Save Money by filing Property Tax Homestead Exemption

January 12, 2010 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment 

Beat the rush and file your Polk County property tax homestead exemption on your Lakeland real estate or anywhere in Polk County Florida early, because – believe it or not – March 1st, 2010 deadline is fast approaching.

If you took residency on your newly purchased home after January 1, 2009, which includes mobile home if the land the mobile home sits on is owned by the same owner, you may qualify for the initial $25,000 Homestead Exemption. In addition, you may also qualify for an additional $25,000 homestead under Amendment 1 that began with the 2008 tax year for a total of $50,000.  You surely want to file for a 2010 property tax exemption, also known as homestead exemption.  Have you owned a home previously in Florida? You may be eligible for “Save our Home”. Saving money these days is on everybody’s mind – there are other ways of qualifying for additional savings:

  • Amendment 7, which was voted by Florida voters on November 7, 2006 and is intended to be an additional discount on taxes owed after all other ad valorem tax exemptions are computed for eligible veterans 65 years and older.
  • Senior exemption, widow, disability, veterans and total exemption – if qualified you may be eligible to save up to an additional $5,000. Widow or widower must provide a copy of their late spouse’s death certificate. Disability exemptions applicants must provide an attest from a certified Florida physician.  Veteran exemptions applicants must show proof of percentage (minimum 10%) of service-connected disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

First-time homebuyers filing for homestead exemption must apply in person and bring their recorded deed and proof of residency, such as Florida drivers’ license with current address, Florida voter registration with current address, Florida vehicle registration with current address or resident alien card. Applicants filing for any exemption are required to present their Social Security cards.

Where to file?

Bartow Office

255 N. Wilson Ave                     Phone: 863-534-4777

Bartow, FL 33830                      Fax: 863-534-4753

Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (M-F)

Lakeland Office

912 E. Parker St.                          Phone: 863-413-2549

Lakeland, FL 33801                   Fax: 863-413-2550

Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (M-F)

Winter Haven Office

3425 Lake Alfred Rd.                 Phone: 863-401-2424 3

Gill Jones Plaza                         Fax: 863-401-2428

Winter Haven, FL 33881

Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm (M-F)

Website: http://www.polkpa.org

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact me at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

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