DURANT — Bryan County Assessor Glendel Rushing reminds homeowners that they have until March 15 to file for homestead exemption assessments without penalty.

“Once a homestead exemption is filed it is permanent unless the homeowner moves,” Rushing said. “A double homestead exemption, however, must be filed each year until the homeowner becomes 65 years of age.”

Under state law, a homeowner may qualify for the additional exemption if their total gross household income did not exceed $20,000 in 2012. Proof of income must be furnished at the time of filing.

Also, state law provides that any homeowner who is 65 or older, and their income did not exceed $46,000 for 2012, may file for their property valuation freeze.

Personal property such as tractors, farm equipment, store fixtures and inventories etc. must be assessed before March 15 to avoid a 20 percent penalty.

Rushing also requests that any homeowner whose address has changed during the past year to notify the assessor’s office. For more information, call 924-2166.