What is the Homestead exemption?

Homestead Exemption removes part of your home’s value from taxation, so they lower your taxes.

For example, your home is appraised at $500,000, 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 $475,000.

Who qualifies?

The following requirements must be met to receive the exemption:

1. You must own your home on January 1st of the year for which you are applying. (If you are over 65 and/or disabled, January 1st ownership and residency are not required.)

2. You must reside at the home as your principal residence on January 1st of that year, and not claim any other property as a homestead.

3. Only individual homeowners may receive a homestead exemption.

4. A homestead can be a house, condominium, or 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.

5. You must apply between January 1st and April 30th of the year for which you want the exemption.

How do homeowners apply?

You will need your Texas driver’s license or state ID card. From there, you’ll need to file the Application for Residential Homestead Exemption with the county appraisal district. File with supporting documentation with the appraisal district office in each county in which the property is located between January 1st and April 30th of the year for which the exemption is requested.

For more information, contact your local county appraisal district office, or visit https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/