It’s Time To File Your Homestead Exemption in Texas

What Is A Homestead Exemption?

A homestead exemption is a tax exemption for your home that lowers the taxable amount of your home. Depending on what your home is worth, you qualify for a certain amount of money so that you’re paying taxes on a lower amount, which will save you money each year. 

Homestead exemptions in Texas are granted by the county appraisal district where the property is located. All Texas homeowners can apply for a General Residence Homestead Exemption for their primary residence, and all of the available exemptions require the same application process.

What Types Of Homestead Exemptions Are Available In Texas?

Different factors (age, location, disability, etc.) can determine other homestead exemptions you may qualify for, such as:

• School Taxes
• County Taxes
• 65+ and Disabled Exemptions
• Disabled Veteran Homeowners

Who Qualifies And When Do You Apply?

You may apply as soon as you close on your primary residence, and these requirements must be met to receive the homestead exemption:

1. The property must qualify as a residence on January 1st of the year for which you are applying. Over 65, veteran, and disability exemptions have additional requirements. To be a qualifying residence, the home must be complete and habitable on January 1st. For example, a new home under construction would not meet this standard and would not qualify until the following year.
2. You may only claim one property in Texas at a time as a homestead.
3. 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.
4. When you file for your exemption, you must state that you are not claiming an exemption for another residence outside of Texas.

How Do You Apply For A Homestead Exemption In Texas?

1. Complete the Application for Residential Homestead Exemption (available on the websites of most county appraisal districts or at the Texas Comptroller’s website. Click here to access the form.
2. Include a copy of your driver’s license or ID card from the Texas Department of Public Safety at www.txdps.state.tx.us. The address must match the homestead address.

For more information on all types of property tax exemptions, contact your local county appraisal district office or visit the Texas Comptroller. County appraisal district office websites and mailing addresses are available below:

• Travis County: P.O. BOX 149012, Austin, TX 78714-9012
• Williamson County: 625 FM 1460, Georgetown, TX 78626-8050
• Hays County: 21001 IH 35 North, Kyle, Texas 78640
• Bastrop County: P.O. Box 578, Bastrop, TX 78602
• Burnet County: P.O. Box 908, Burnet, TX 78611-0908
• Llano County: 103 E. Sandstone St., Llano, Texas 78643
• Bell County: P.O. Box 390, Belton, Texas 76513

Have questions about the homestead exemption process in Central Texas? Reach out to us today–we’re always happy to help: 512.676.5842 or info@prismrp.com.