As of Sept. 1, Texas added new requirements for homestead-exemption applications.

Homeowners must now include a copy of their driver’s license or state-issued ID card and their vehicle registration receipt that has an address matching the property for which they are seeking an exemption along with the application. If the applicant does not own a vehicle, he must submit a signed affidavit stating he doesn’t not own a vehicle along with a copy of a utility bill for the property seeking the exemption.

Remind your buyers that it’s free to file their homestead exemption application, and it’s simple to file the paperwork themselves. The Texas attorney general has warned homeowners to be aware of solicitation companies that send official-looking letters claiming they can process the exemption paperwork for a fee.

More information and the new homestead application forms are available on the state comptroller’s Web site.