HOW TO FILE

HOW TO FILE

TEXAS HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

WHAT IS A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION?

Homestead exemptions are granted by the county appraisal district where the property is located. The exemption reduces a homeowner’s property tax bill by removing part of the home’s value from taxation. All Texas homeowners may receive a General Residence Homestead Exemption on the value of their property for school taxes upon application. Other taxing entities may also offer exemptions of some percentage of the home’s value. Other exemptions are available to homeowners who are over 65 or disabled and require the same application process.

WHO QUALIFIES?

These requirements must be met to receive the exemption:

  • To qualify for a homestead exemption, you must own and occupy the property on which you are applying. If you recently purchased a home, you may submit the form now and the homestead will be applied to the year in which you qualify.
  • You must reside at the home as your principal residence on January 1st of that year in which you are applying, and not claim any other property as homestead.
  • Only individual homeowners (not corporations or other entities) may receive a homestead exemption.
  • A homestead can be a house, condominium, or a manufactured home. It can include up to 20 acres, if the land is also owned by the homeowner and used as a yard, or for another purpose related to the residential use of the home.

HOW TO APPLY FOR TEXAS HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

Your Homestead Exemption will be denied unless all of the required documents show the same homestead address. First, fill out the application specific to your County Appraisal District, then mail the documents, or submit the application online (if available) to the Appraisal District for your County. The dates to file are January 1st - April 30th.

Select your county below