If certain appraisal-district records match the owner’s address, the chief appraiser must send the property owner a notice with specified homestead-exemption language and an application form, and send that notice separately from other notices.
Sec. 25.192. NOTICE OF RESIDENCE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION ELIGIBILITY. (a) This section applies only to residential property that has not qualified for a residence homestead exemption in the current tax year. (b) If the records of the appraisal district indicate that the address of the property is also the address of the owner of the property, the chief appraiser must send to the property owner a notice that contains: (1) the following statement in boldfaced 18-point type at the top of the first page of the notice: "NOTICE: A residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation is NOT currently being allowed on the property listed below. However, our records show that this property may qualify for a residence homestead exemption, which will reduce your taxes."; (2) following the statement described by Subdivision (1), the following statement in 12-point type: "According to the records of the appraisal district, the property described in this notice may be your primary residence and may qualify for a residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation. If the property is your home and you occupy it as your primary residence, the property likely qualifies for one or more residence homestead exemptions, which will reduce the amount of taxes imposed on the property. The form needed to apply for a residence homestead exemption is enclosed. Although the form may state that the deadline for filing an application for a residence homestead exemption is April 30, a late application for a residence homestead exemption will be accepted if filed before February 1, (insert year application must be filed). There is no fee or charge for filing an application or a late application for a residence homestead exemption."; and (3) following the statement described by Subdivision (2), the address to which the notice is sent. (c) The notice required by this section must be accompanied by an application form for a residence homestead exemption. (d) The notice required by this section must be sent separately from any other notice sent to the property owner by the chief appraiser. Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 944 (S.B. 2), Sec. 30, eff. January 1, 2020. Amended by: Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 680 (H.B. 1228), Sec. 4, eff. January 1, 2024.