How to File a Homestead Declaration

• A Homestead Declaration is filed using Form HS-122, "Declaration of Vermont Homestead." This form is available to file online at the state of Vermont Department of Taxes. The form has three sections: homestead declaration, property tax adjustment claim and a signature line.
  
  

Deadlines

• The deadline for Homestead Declarations is April 15 each year. Filings will be accepted between April 15 and Sept. 1 of the same year, but late penalties will be applied to filings in this period. Filings will not be accepted after Sept. 1. If a Homestead Declaration is not filed at all, the property becomes classified as nonresidential, and higher property taxes are assessed on the building.
  
  

Documentation

• In order to make a Homestead Declaration, you will need to have a copy of your 2009/2010 property tax bill at hand. If you are also making a Property Tax Adjustment Claim, documentary evidence of income for all household members will also be needed.
  
  

Eligibility

• The Homestead Declaration is required of anyone who owned and occupied--as a principal residence--a property in the state of Vermont on April 1 of the filing year. Owner-occupiers are also eligible to file a Property Tax Adjustment Claim if they were a resident of the state of Vermont for the entire previous calendar year, were not claimed as another taxpayer's dependent in that same year and are filing a Homestead Declaration for the current year.
  
  

Finances

• There is no cost to file the Homestead Declaration or Property Tax Adjustment Claim. Generally, the property tax due on a dwelling with a Homestead Declaration may be reduced if the household income is less than $47,000; such an adjustment is unlikely if the household income is over $97,000 (2010 figures).