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"Charitable" Exemption From Payment of
Ad Valorem Property Taxes For "Affordable Housing" Properties |
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The Application and Appeal Process
Common Misconception: All property owned by 501(c)(3) corporations are automatically get an exemption for all the property that it owns. Not!!! The property must be used for a purpose that specifically defined as exempt by the state statute. Exemptions are not automatic. They must be applied for and approved.
The Key Date: The exemption is based upon the use and ownership of the property on January 1st of the relevant tax year.
Application Deadline: March 1st.
Where to Apply: Get an application from (DR 504) your local County property appraiser's office (in Miami-Dade County its on the 8th floor, 111 NW 1st Street, Miami, Fl). It is a good idea to always attach some sort of narrative to the application describing the basis for the exemption. The application form itself has little room for a detailed explaination (see the sections of this website containing sample narratives).
Appeal Process: If the Appraiser denies the application the owner can ask for a meeting with the Appraiser's office to try and change their mind. If that fails, the owner can appeal to the Value Adjustment Board where there will be a hearing before a referee. If that fails, the owner can appeal to the Circuit Court (which may required spending money on lawyers and where chances of victory are slim).
What happens if the March 1st Deadline is Missed: Missing the deadline is NOT GOOD, but there would still be a glimmer of hope. Applications can be submitted directly to the Value Adjustment Board. Such an applications must be submitted within the appeal deadline stated in the preliminary tax assessment notice mailed to all property owners in August and September of each year. Its better to meet the March 1st deadline, however, because that give a much better shot at getting the exemption approved.
Annual Renewal: Exemptions, once granted, are usually renewed automatically each year. The Appraiser's office is required to send a notice to the owner if the exemption is to be terminated