You could save money on your Property Tax Bill!

If you purchased a property in 2020 that benefited from a former owner’s exemption, that benefit was removed on January 1, 2021, resetting the property's assessed value to just/market value. As you will see in your 2021 TRIM notice (Notice of Proposed Property Taxes) in August, that means you tax liability may be much higher than the prior year.

When new property owners see this increase, they immediately ask: what can be done?

Exemptions save property owners hundreds in tax dollars each year and they are quick and easy to apply for. The popular Homestead Exemption, for example, may save homeowners $500 to $1000 dollars on their property tax liability. There are some requirements in order to qualify for the Homestead Exemption; you must own and occupy the home as of January 1, and the home must be your primary residence.

The Homestead Exemption can be eFiled by clicking here, or you may apply at any of our four locations throughout Pinellas County. When applying for Homestead, you will need the following documents:

• Social Security Number
• Driver's License
• Voter Registration Card
• Vehicle Tag Number

If you are applying with a spouse, both applicants will be required to apply with their own documentation. Once you’ve been approved and receive your homestead exemption, we automatically renew it each year unless your residency status changes. You must apply for your own homestead exemption by March 1, 2021.