Are you 65 years of age or older? Do you own and occupy a home in Jefferson County?
Act now to take advantage of Jefferson County homestead tax exemption
If so, then you are eligible for a homestead tax exemption from the State of Alabama’s portion of taxes that have been included in your real property tax bill. This exemption, known as a county homestead exemption, does not occur automatically because you are more than 65 years of age, and it is not applied retroactively. Thus, you are required to claim your exemption prior to the issuance of your tax bill.
Additionally, Jefferson County homeowners with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $12,000 or less on their most recent state and federal tax returns may be eligible for an exemption from other taxes included in your tax bill, such as county and school taxes.
Next steps:
- To claim either or both the real property or county and school taxes exemptions, first prove your age to claim the exemption(s). Before the applicable tax bill is issued, visit the Jefferson County Tax Assessor’s office with proof of age (such as a driver’s license or birth certificate).
- To apply for the AGI-based exemption, also present the Jefferson County Tax Assessor’s office with your most recent state and federal income tax returns. Again, claiming the exemption prior to your tax bill being issued is key, so handle this administrative step between October and December of the prior tax year.
Jefferson County homestead tax exemption renewals required annually
Homestead tax exemptions must be renewed annually, so either return the mailed renewal card or complete the online renewal process prior to each annual deadline. Residents who do not annually renew their Jefferson County homestead tax exemptions annually can face the selling of a tax lien upon their property–and possible eviction or loss of certain real property rights and/or ownership.
MSN Attorneys can unlock legal solutions for Jefferson County homeowners
If a tax lien or tax deed upon real property that you own has been sold to an investor at a previous tax sale, schedule a consultation with our MSN Attorneys.