Property Tax and Disability

[Susan9608]

What is the name of your state? Texas

My mother in law passed away in August, 2007, from breast cancer, approximately a year after being diagnosed. My husband inherited her house. We have not been through the probate process yet.

When we received her property tax bill in October, 2007, my husband had me hold off on paying it; he thought my mother in law should have been eligible for a disability exemption as she had been out of work for over a year. Unfortunately, I forgot all aobut the property tax thing until now, when it's almost time for it to be due.

I don't know how to go about dealing with her property taxes and how to try to get a disability exemption. Is it even possible to get an exemption now that she's deceased? I have printed the forms from the Dallas county assessor's website, but they require the home owner's signature. Would that be my husband, since he inherited the house? And if it is now my husband, will a disability exemption still apply since he is not disabled?

My mother in law's doctor would have to supply a letter, stating that she was ill enough to be unable to work. I don't know if he'd be willing to do that for us, now that my mother in law is deceased. The assessor's website states we can also provided social security statements, but I don't know how to get those.

I'm confused, since I really know nothing about anything outside of my own professional realm of nursing. Should I talk to an attorney?

Thank you.

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by Susan9608

What is the name of your state? Texas

My mother in law passed away in August, 2007, from breast cancer, approximately a year after being diagnosed. My husband inherited her house. We have not been through the probate process yet.

When we received her property tax bill in October, 2007, my husband had me hold off on paying it; he thought my mother in law should have been eligible for a disability exemption as she had been out of work for over a year. Unfortunately, I forgot all aobut the property tax thing until now, when it's almost time for it to be due.

I don't know how to go about dealing with her property taxes and how to try to get a disability exemption. Is it even possible to get an exemption now that she's deceased? I have printed the forms from the Dallas county assessor's website, but they require the home owner's signature. Would that be my husband, since he inherited the house? And if it is now my husband, will a disability exemption still apply since he is not disabled?

My mother in law's doctor would have to supply a letter, stating that she was ill enough to be unable to work. I don't know if he'd be willing to do that for us, now that my mother in law is deceased. The assessor's website states we can also provided social security statements, but I don't know how to get those.

I'm confused, since I really know nothing about anything outside of my own professional realm of nursing. Should I talk to an attorney?

Thank you.

This is a very state specific question. I don't think that you will find anyone here that is well versed in TX property tax issues. Contact the state or county government office that handles property taxes in your area and ask your questions there.