Q: When are Hamilton County property taxes due for the current fiscal year?
A: Property taxes are due in full by March 31, 2025 for the 2024 tax year. A 2% early payment discount is available for payments made in January 2025. Taxes become delinquent on April 1st with penalties and interest applied.
Q: What is the Homestead Exemption and how do I apply?
A: The Homestead Exemption is a tax credit that reduces your taxable assessed value by up to $50,000 for your primary residence. You must apply annually by March 1st with the Hamilton County Property Appraiser's office. This exemption also provides Save Our Homes protection, capping annual assessment increases at 3%. Application requires proof of residency and ownership.
Q: Can I transfer my Save Our Homes benefit if I move within Hamilton County?
A: Yes, Florida's portability provision allows you to transfer up to $500,000 of your Save Our Homes benefit to a new homestead property within Hamilton County or anywhere in Florida, provided you apply within two years of establishing the new homestead.
Q: How do I appeal my property assessment?
A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Hamilton County Value Adjustment Board by the 25th day following the mailing of the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (typically in August). Contact the Property Appraiser's office at (386) 792-1296 first to discuss your concerns informally.
Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late?
A: Taxes become delinquent on April 1st. A 3% penalty is added immediately, followed by 1.5% interest per month. If taxes remain unpaid for two years, the property may be subject to tax certificate sale and eventual tax deed proceedings.
Q: Are there other tax credits available besides Homestead?
A: Yes, Hamilton County offers additional credits including Senior Exemption (additional $50,000 for qualifying seniors), Disability Exemption, Veteran's Exemption, and Widow/Widower Exemption. All require separate applications by March 1st annually.
Q: How are special district taxes determined?
A: Special district taxes depend on your property's location within Hamilton County. These may include fire district taxes, drainage district assessments, or community development fees. Your annual tax bill will itemize all applicable districts.
Q: Can I pay my property taxes online?
A: Yes, Hamilton County offers online payment options through the Tax Collector's website. Credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments are typically accepted, though convenience fees may apply for credit card transactions.
Q: What if I disagree with a special assessment for road improvements or other projects?
A: Special assessments for improvements like road paving or sidewalks have separate appeal processes from regular property tax appeals. These are typically handled through the county commission or the specific district imposing the assessment, with specific notice and hearing requirements.
Q: How does new construction affect my property taxes?
A: New construction is assessed as of January 1st each year. If construction is completed after January 1st, it may be subject to supplemental assessment for the partial year. The new construction value is added to your existing assessed value and taxed at current rates without Save Our Homes protection for the improvement portion.
