Texas Homestead Exemption: What It Is & How to Apply
A homestead exemption lowers the taxable value of the home you live in, which lowers your property tax bill. If you own your home and it's your primary residence, you should file. It's free.
How much it can save you
Texas school districts must exempt $140,000 of your home's value. If you're 65 or older or have a disability, you get an additional $60,000 off for school taxes. Cities, counties and other taxing units may offer their own exemptions too.
Once you have the exemption, your home's taxable value generally can't go up more than 10% a year, starting the second year.
Who qualifies
- You own the home (even partial ownership counts).
- It's your primary residence.
- Your Texas driver's license or ID shows the home's address.
- You claim only one homestead.
When to apply
If you live in the home on January 1, apply by April 30 of that year. Bought later in the year? Apply once you own and live there. If the previous owner didn't have an exemption, you may get a prorated one for the rest of the year. Missed the deadline? You can usually file up to two years late and get a refund.
How to apply
- Go to your county's appraisal district website (links below).
- File the Residence Homestead Exemption Application (Form 50-114) online, by mail or in person.
- Include a copy of your Texas driver's license or ID with the property address.
- Watch for approval. The district has 90 days to decide, and you generally don't need to reapply.
Find your county's homestead exemption
- Travis Central Appraisal District (Austin)
- Williamson Central Appraisal District (Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander)
- Hays Central Appraisal District (San Marcos, Kyle, Buda)
- Brazos Central Appraisal District (Bryan, College Station)
Other exemptions
You may also qualify for the over-65 exemption (which also caps your school taxes at the amount you pay the year you qualify), the disabled person exemption, the 100% disabled veteran exemption or a surviving spouse exemption. Ask your appraisal district which forms you need.
Questions? Call or text me at (512) 629-9050.
This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Check with your county appraisal district for details on your property.
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