Inform Article

Demystifying Your Property Taxes

10.21.2010
Posted by Noelle Smith of Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
http://www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/papa/index.htm
Demystifying Your Property Taxes picture

Every year, Palm Beach County homeowners receive notice of their annual property tax assessment. The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office is tasked with the duty of determining the value of properties and determining the homeowner's tax assessment. The Property Appraiser's office sends out staff to inspect homes once every five years. On the Property Appraiser's website you can view your property's assessed value and property taxes over a three year period. 

What is the purpose of property taxes?

Property taxes help support local government and special taxing districts like the School District with necessary operating expenses. Homeowners are required by law to pay property taxes annually on any property owned based on the property's assessed value. If homeowners fail to pay their property taxes in a timely manner, they may risk losing their home.

What is Homestead Exemption?

Homestead exemption is a special tax benefit for homeowners on their primary residence. There is an automatic tax exemption in the amount of $25,000.  If the property is valued at $50,000 or more, a homeowner may be eligible for an additional $25,000 exemption. 

What other exemptions are available?

The following additional exemptions are available to qualified Palm Beach County residents:

  • Widow/Widower
    • Homeowners who have lost a spouse may request a $500 tax exemption.
  • Disabled Veteran
    • If a disabled veteran is wheelchair dependent and owns a home in Palm Beach County, they may be entitled to receive a $5,000 property tax credit.
  • Senior Citizen
    • This exemption applies to homeowners who are 65 years of age and up.
  • Disability
    • Individuals who are permanently disabled are entitled to a $500 property tax exemption.
  • Combat Disabled Senior Citizens
    • This exemption is available to quadriplegics and individuals who were honorably discharged from the military and are totally disabled. Additionally, the homeowner must be 65 years of age or older and a resident of Florida at the time that they entered military service.
  • Granny Flats
    • This exemption is reserved for homeowners who have built parent or grandparent additions to their homes to take care of family members.

How do I request an exemption?

If you reside in Palm Beach County, you must complete your request for property tax exemption on or before March 1 of each year. If you have questions regarding your eligibility for property tax exemptions, you should contact the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office at 561-355-2866. 

IMPORTANT: The information on this Website is not intended as legal advice or representation. No attorney-client relationship is created between the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. and any person obtaining information from this website. Public benefits and other laws change frequently. We strive to keep this website up to date but cannot provide a guarantee that this information is accurate as of the time you are reading it.