Why File for Homestead Exemption?

Q: Why File for Homestead Exemption?

A: Lower Property Taxes

Homestead exemptions remove part of your home's value from taxation which, depending on the value of your home, could potentially save you thousands each year. If you want to receive a Homestead Exemption for the taxes on your home, your home must first qualify as a residence homestead on January 1 of the year in which you are applying.

Homestead Exemption Deadline

You can apply for a Homestead Exemption as early as January 1 and no later than April 30.

Who Qualifies for the Texas Homestead Exemption?

Texas homestead exemption applies to a homeowner if they:

· owned the property on January 1st

· occupied the property as their principal residence on January 1st

· the homeowner or their spouse have not claimed a residence homestead exemption on any other property

If the Texas homeowner temporarily moves away from their home, they still can qualify for a county appraisal district homestead exemption if they do not establish another principal residence and they intend to return in a period of less than two years. Texas homeowners in military service or in a facility providing services related to health, infirmity or aging may exceed the two year period.

Homestead Exemption Required Documents

1. Download Residential Homestead Exemption Application for your County

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 all of the documents to the Appraisal District for your County.

2. Include a Copy of your Driver's License or Identification Card

Your driver's license needs to be from the Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) and the address must match the homestead address.

Homestead Exemption Frequently Asked Questions

What is Homestead Exemption?

A homestead can be a separate structure, condominium or a manufactured home located on owned or leased land, as long as the individual living in the home owns it. A homestead can include up to 20 acres, if the land is owned by the homeowner and used as a yard or for another purpose related to the residential use of the homestead.

Do all homes qualify for Homestead Exemptions?

No, only a homeowner's principal residence qualifies. To qualify, a home must meet the definition of a residence homestead: The home's owner must be an individual (not a corporation or other business entity) and use the home as his or her principal residence on January 1 of the tax year. If you are age 65 or older, the January 1 ownership and residency are not required for the age 65 Homestead Exemption.

As a homeowner, do I receive a tax break from property taxes?

You may apply for Homestead Exemptions on your principal residence. Homestead exemptions remove part of your home's value from taxation, so they lower your taxes. For example, if your home is appraised at $100,000, and you qualify for a $25,000 exemption (this is the amount mandated for school districts), you will pay school taxes on the home as if it was worth only $75,000. Taxing units have the option to offer a separate exemption, too. Click here to read about how to know if you qualify for Homestead Exemptions and what kind of exemptions are available to all homeowners.

What Homestead Exemptions are available?

There are several types of exemptions you may receive.

• School taxes: All residence homestead owners may receive a Homestead Exemption from their home's value for school taxes.
• County taxes: If a county collects a special tax for farm-to-market roads or flood control, a residence homestead owner may receive an exemption for this tax. If the county grants an optional exemption for homeowners age 65 or older or disabled, the owners will receive only the local-option exemption.
• Age 65 or older and disabled exemptions: Individuals 65 and older and/or disabled residence homestead owners may qualify for a Homestead Exemption for school taxes, in addition to the exemption for all homeowners. If the owner qualifies for both the exemption for 65 and older homeowners and the exemption for disabled homeowners, the owner must choose one or the other for school taxes. The owner cannot receive both exemptions. Click here to to read about exemptions, limitations and special instructions for homeowners age 65 and over and homeowners with disabilities.
• Optional percentage exemptions: Any taxing unit including a city, county, school, or special district may offer an exemption of a percentage of a home's value. Each taxing unit decides if it will offer the exemption and at what percentage. This percentage exemption is added to any other home exemption for which an owner qualifies. The taxing unit must decide before July 1 of the tax year to offer this exemption.
• Optional 65 or older or disabled exemptions: Any taxing unit may offer an additional exemption amount for taxpayers age 65 or older and/or disabled.
• Disabled veteran homeowners: Click here for more information about exemptions, limitations and special instructions for disabled veteran homeowners.

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