It’s Time to File Your Homestead Exemption

Apr 19

What is it?

The homestead exemption reduces a homeowner's property tax by removing part of the home's value from taxation. All Texas homeowners may apply for and receive a General Residence Homestead Exemption of $25,000 on the value of their property for school taxes. 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. All exemptions are through the county appraisal district where the property is located.

How do I know if I qualify for a homestead exemption?

These requirements must be met to receive the exemption:

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.)
You must reside at the home as your principal residence on January 1st of that year, 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 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.
You must apply between January 1st and April 30th of the year for which you want the exemption.