 Frequently Asked Questions (Continued):
When I purchase property, what do I need to do?
When buying property for the first time, it is the new owners' responsibility to see that all the necessary steps are taken and completed for assessing this property. Below is some general information and steps that should be followed for new owners:
- Record your deed immediately in the Probate Office.
- Assess property in the Revenue Commissioner's office between October 1 and December 31 of each year. When assessing for the first time, you will be able to apply for any exemptions to which you may be entitled to claim. Once this exemption is granted it is not necessary to reapply for the exemption as long as such person continues to live in the home where the exemption is granted. This does not apply to anyone over the age of 65 or totally disabled. They must claim one of the special homestead exemptions each year. Failure on the homeowner's part to do so will result in the property being changed to Class II property and the owner losing his homestead exemption for the year involved.
- Property tax bills are mailed each year in late September. These tax bills are mailed to the property owner or the specified person named by the property owner. Property taxes run a year in arrears with the tax year beginning on October 1st through September 30th of the following year. Your bill may be mailed to the old owner the year you purchased the property, depending on the date of purchase. You may call the Revenue Commissioner's office to check on your bill or for a better understanding of this. Report any address changes promptly.
- If your mortgage company has agreed to pay your property taxes, you must contact them about paying this bill. The Revenue Commissioner's office cannot be responsible for keeping up with each property owner's mortgage company.
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