Homestead tax deferral.

(1) Any person who is entitled to claim homestead tax exemption under s. 196.031(1) may apply to defer payment of a portion of the combined total of the ad valorem taxes, non-ad valorem assessments, and interest accumulated on a tax certificate. Any applicant who is entitled to receive the homestead tax exemption but has waived it for any reason shall furnish a certificate of eligibility to receive the exemption. Such certificate shall be prepared by the county property appraiser upon request of the taxpayer.

(2)(a) Approval of an application for homestead tax deferral shall defer the combined total of ad valorem taxes and non-ad valorem assessments:

1. Which exceeds 5 percent of the applicant’s household income for the prior calendar year if the applicant is younger than 65 years old;

2. Which exceeds 3 percent of the applicant’s household income for the prior calendar year if the applicant is 65 years old or older; or

3. In its entirety if the applicant’s household income:

a. For the previous calendar year is less than $10,000; or

b. Is less than the designated amount for the additional homestead exemption under s. 196.075 and the applicant is 65 years old or older.

(b) The household income of an applicant who applies for a tax deferral before the end of the calendar year in which the taxes and non-ad valorem assessments are assessed shall be for the current year, adjusted to reflect estimated income for the full calendar year period. The estimate of a full year’s household income shall be made by multiplying the household income received to the date of application by a fraction, the numerator being 365 and the denominator being the number of days expired in the calendar year to the date of application.

(3) The property appraiser shall promptly notify the tax collector if there is a change in ownership or the homestead exemption has been denied on property that has been granted a tax deferral.