Quick Guide to Texas Homestead Exemptions

In Texas every homeowner gets one homestead exemption that reduces your property tax bill by removing part of a home’s value from taxation. The homestead exemption does a couple of key things for you:

1. It keeps your taxes from increasing more than 10% in any given year, and

2.  You may get a tax break, often around 15%, depending on what government services you receive at your address.

In order to claim your homestead exemption, you will need to complete the paperwork for the county where you live and provide evidence that you live in your home.  The forms for filing your homestead exemption can be found at the links below.  Just fill out the forms as directed and file them, along with the required documentation, with the appraisal district of the appropriate county.  The forms must be filed by mail or in person no later than April 30^th.  

Be prepared to provide evidence that you live in your home, such as making copies of your driver’s license or ID card or vehicle registration.  Remember, the address on the documentation must match the home address you are seeking to exempt.  

Because the amount of the tax exemption can be significant, I recommend you verify that your application was received and processed.  To that end, be sure to keep any electronic confirmation notices, or if you file by mail you can email [email protected] or call 512-834-9317 to verify receipt.  

There are additional exemptions for our disabled veterans.  You can learn more about that here:  https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/exemptions/index.php

Please let us know if we can be of any help as you work through the homestead exemption process.  Otherwise, we wish you all the best for a wonderful 2018.