Wondering is someone might know the answer or can direct me. Thanks in advance.

My parents home in Dallas County (Preston Hollow area) is held under their trust (taxed to my dad). He passed 3/2020 and then my mom passed 3/2021. We didn't know that we would have to apply for a spouse exemption so when the 2021 taxes came out they were w/o any exemptions and about 3x more than 2020.

I contacted the appraisal district and they recommended doing an heir exemption but I'm not sure that is correct. In order to use that I, and possibly my brother, would have to have the addresses on our drivers license match the address in question. Also, my mom was alive for part of 2021.

The form also has a trust box to check and says to provide documentation. My brother and I were appointed trustees prior to my dad passing so we are the trustees. Maybe this is the way to go?

Any thoughts?

Finally, my wife and I are going to buy the house from my brother and have been doing extensive renovations so I might need some advice from a lender as well. My parents owned the house outright (bought it new in 1970).

Again - thanks for any responses.

It's whatever the situation was on Jan. 1, 2021. Your mother was alive so the spousal exemption should have been in place. Submit whatever form is needed to correct it to that.

Did you get an appraisal done before renovations? This will show the tax basis since it "steps up" upon your parents' deaths.

That's what I was thinking but the form tequires her signature. I guess I can send in the death certificate showing she was alive on 1/1/21 along with a letter.

We did get an appraisal prior to renovations although the city does not know about said renovations since its all interior and the GC recommended not permitting. Shhh

Maybe someone could sign her homestead exemption application for her as the executor of her estate?

I wasn't familiar with the 'heir exemption' you mentioned. Apparently it's recently been changed:

Quote:

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In 2019, a new Texas law (Senate Bill 1943) opened up important property tax savings for "heir property owners" homeowners who have inherited their primary residence.

First, the new law makes it easier for heir property owners to qualify for a homestead exemption, by creating clearer and more accessible application requirements.

Second, once an heir property owner has a homestead exemption in place, they can now qualify for a 100% homestead exemption when the home has co-owners, rather than a partial exemption.

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Have You Inherited Your Home?

While I suppose that will at least get you your parents' Homestead Exemption, I'm assuming it would be too much too ask to also get you their 'over 65' school tax freeze, which for many homes turns out to be a giant amount.

But, regarding 2021, you've been given good advice. Your mother is entitled to that for the year of her death. For purposes of her signature on the form, if it needs to be notarized, I'd ask the CAD what they'd suggest.