Hughes County Assessor, Amber Jones, wishes to remind residents that the deadline for fi ling applications for a new Homestead Exemption and Additional “double” Homestead Exemption is March 15, 2019. A single Homestead Exemption remains in effect as long as you continue to own and occupy the property as your place of residence. The exemption could save homeowners anywhere from $80 to $120 depending on the tax rate for your school district.

The Additional “Double” Homestead Exemption is an extra benefit for households whose total gross household income from all sources for the year 2018 was $20,000 or less. The Senior Valuation Freeze is for homeowners over the age of 65 whose gross household income is $50,200 or less. The “Freeze” prevents any increase in property value except when improvements to the property or changes in title are made. Please bring proof of income when applying for the “Double” Homestead Exemption and Valuation Freeze. In order to receive these benefits for the tax year 2019 you must be occupying the property as of January 1, 2019 and proof of ownership (a deed) must have been fi led on or before February 1, 2019.

Military veterans who have been honorably discharged from active service and who have been certified by the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs to have a one hundred percent (100%) permanent disability are entitled to claim an exemption for full amount of the fair cash value of their homestead property. Applicants must provide a sealed stamped letter from the VA disclosing the veteran is entitled to receive 100% composition and establishing entitlement to full benefits as well as be eligible for homestead exemptions as provided by law.

The deadline for rendering Individual Personal Property is also March 15, 2019. Household goods and livestock are no long considered taxable personal property in Hughes County. However, taxpayers must still list farm equipment and mobile homes each year between January 1 and March 15 in order to avoid penalties. Please bring the current mobile home title if you are fi ling in Hughes County for the first time so a copy can be made for the Assessor’s records. When listing farm equipment please be prepared to disclose the make, model, year and purchase price.

All businesses, corporations, and professionals are also required to submit a listing of all taxable assets. This list should include all professional and office equipment, furniture and fi xtures, and machinery, and beginning and ending inventory values, if applicable. Businesses should contact the County Assessor’s office to receive a Form 901 Business Personal Property Rendition to complete and return by March 15^th to avoid penalties.

The Hughes County Assessor or her representative will be at the Calvin City Hall on Wednesday, February 13^th , from 1:00 to 3:00 pm; at the Allen City Hall on Friday, February 15^th , from 1:30 to 3:00 pm; and in Gerty, at the Senior Center, on Thursday, February 21^st , from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Please contact the Assessor’s office if you have any questions regarding these matters. The Assessor’s offi ce is located in the Hughes County Courthouse at 200 N. Broadway in Holdenville. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The office remains open throughout the lunch hour for your convenience. The telephone number is (405) 379-3862.