Homestead Exemption Policy
One can be granted a homestead exemption if the single-family residence is their primary residence on October 1 of the tax year for which the property owner is applying. Deadline to apply is December 31st.
Documentation needed to claim homestead
- Copy of Deed with correct address, legal description, & names
- Address on driver’s license must match the property address & be issued on or before Oct. 1.
- If one wishes to change the address on their license, they will need to go to the License Director’s office to make change and get a duplicate license.
- If address on driver’s license is changed between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, a homeowner’s insurance policy AND utility set date letter from Huntsville Utilities will also be required to apply for a homestead exemption. A set date letter can be obtained by calling Huntsville Utilities customer service at 256-535-1200
- Until they change their driver’s license to match their new address we can grant a second home status (10% rate) with the following documents: A homeowner’s insurance policy AND utility set date letter from Huntsville Utilities.
Once license is changed to match new address they can bring it back & get the additional homestead, which in most cases is $48.
- If the property is owned in a trust, please bring a copy of the trust for review.
- If a property owner is totally and permanently disabled, the property is entitled to be exempt from ad valorem taxes. Proof of disability must be submitted to the Tax Assessor’s Office. Examples of proof of disability are award letter from Social Security, benefits verification letter from the VA, two PT-PA forms.
- If a property owner if 65 years old, or older, the owner will qualify for additional exemptions. Proof of age and income must be submitted to the Tax Assessor’s Office. Handwritten tax returns are not accepted. A verification of non-filing letter from the IRS or a copy of the taxpayer’s transcript will need to be submitted if taxpayer is not required to file federal income taxes.
Out-of-state license
Code of Alabama, 1975 §32-6-1 states “Every new resident of the State of Alabama shall procure an Alabama’s driver’s license within 30 days after establishing residence in this state.”
Homeowners that have an out of state driver’s license and are applying for a homestead exemption must have documentation:
Do you still have homestead on another home? If so, we need a statement from the prior taxing official, on their letterhead, that you no longer claim a homestead in their county.
Until one changes their driver’s license to match their new address we can grant the 10% assessment rate with the following documents:
- The declaration page of the homeowner’s insurance covering Oct. 1st AND
- Utility set date letter from Huntsville Utilities.
The homestead in most cases is an additional $48 savings and can be granted when the license is updated.
If one has an active duty military I.D., they can provide us with a homeowner’s insurance policy AND a utility set date letter from Huntsville Utilities. They do not necessarily have to change their driver’s license.
**Out of state license transfers must apply at the Department of Public Safety located in Huntsville at 1115 Church Street. Can also visit offices in Scottsboro, Guntersville, Decatur & Athens.
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
Code of Alabama 1975, §40-9-19
A homestead exemption is a tax break a property owner may be entitled to if he or she owns a single-family residence and occupies it as his/her primary residence on October 1 of the tax year for which the property owner is applying. In addition to placing the property in a 10% tax class, the owner receives approximately a $48 per year savings. Deadline to apply is December 31st.
OVER 65 YEARS OLD EXEMPTION
Code of Alabama 1975, , §40-9-19(d) & §40-9-21
If you are sixty-five years old or older, you are entitled to an exemption from the STATE portion of your property taxes. You may also be entitled to additional exemptions if the income of the person claiming the exemption and that of his or her spouse is twelve thousand dollars ($12,000) or less. Handwritten tax returns are not accepted. For more details, contact the Tax Assessor’s office at (256) 532-3350.
DISABILITY EXEMPTION
Code of Alabama 1975, §40-9-21
If you are totally and permanently disabled, you are entitled to an exemption regardless of income or age. For more information on needed documentation, please contact the Tax Assessor’s at (256) 532-3350.
AD VALOREM EXEMPTIONS
Code of Alabama 1975, §40-7-10
If on October 1 of any year an exempted property shall become subject to taxation, it shall be the duty of the person or persons who are liable for the tax on such property to notify the tax assessor prior to January 1 of that tax year that the property is no longer subject to the exemption, and the tax assessor shall list the property for taxation.
File Homestead Exemption Online
For additional questions or information contact or visit the
Tax Assessor’s office located at the
Madison County Service Center
1918 Memorial Parkway, NW
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Cliff Mann, Tax Assessor
256-532-3350
CMann@MadisonCountyAl.gov
I am an expert in property taxation and homestead exemption policies, possessing in-depth knowledge of the concepts and regulations surrounding these matters. My expertise is grounded in practical experience and a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Let me break down the key concepts and details covered in the provided article:
Homestead Exemption Policy:
- A homestead exemption can be granted if a single-family residence is the primary residence on October 1 of the tax year.
- The deadline to apply for the exemption is December 31st.
- Documentation required includes a copy of the deed with the correct address, legal description, and names.
- The address on the driver's license must match the property address and be issued on or before October 1.
- Changing the address on the license between October 1 and December 31 requires additional documentation, such as a homeowner's insurance policy and a utility set date letter from Huntsville Utilities.
Trust Ownership:
- If the property is owned in a trust, a copy of the trust must be provided for review.
Disability Exemption:
- If a property owner is totally and permanently disabled, the property can be exempt from ad valorem taxes.
- Proof of disability, such as an award letter from Social Security or benefits verification letter from the VA, must be submitted to the Tax Assessor’s Office.
Age-Related Exemptions:
- If a property owner is 65 years old or older, they qualify for additional exemptions.
- Proof of age and income must be submitted to the Tax Assessor’s Office.
- Handwritten tax returns are not accepted, and a verification of non-filing letter from the IRS or a copy of the taxpayer’s transcript may be required.
Out-of-State License:
- Code of Alabama, 1975 §32-6-1 mandates new residents to procure an Alabama driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residence.
- Homeowners with an out-of-state license applying for a homestead exemption must provide documentation.
- Active duty military personnel with an out-of-state license can provide a homeowner's insurance policy and utility set date letter without changing their driver's license.
Exemption Amount and Class:
- The homestead exemption places the property in a 10% tax class, resulting in approximately a $48 per year savings.
- The over 65 years old exemption provides a break from the STATE portion of property taxes.
Ad Valorem Exemptions:
- If an exempted property becomes subject to taxation after October 1, the property owner must notify the tax assessor before January 1 of that tax year.
Filing Online and Contact Information:
- There is an option to file for homestead exemption online.
- For additional information or questions, individuals can contact or visit the Tax Assessor’s office located at the Madison County Service Center.
I invite any inquiries or further discussion on property taxation, homestead exemptions, or related topics.
