Don't Forget to File Your Homestead Exemption!

What is a Homestead Exemption?

In Texas, the homestead exemption allows you to reduce the amount of property taxes you pay on your primary residence. While the amounts vary, here are the basic kinds of savings you can expect:

• General homestead exemption (for school taxes): In Texas, the general homestead exemption available to most qualifying homeowners is worth $25,000. That means that a home valued at $200,000 will only be taxed on $175,000 of that value.

• Over 65 or disabled persons exemptions: Those who qualify for one of these additional exemptions receive another $10,000 exemption on their taxable value. In this case, the house above is now taxed on just $165,000 of its value. You cannot qualify for both an over-65 and a disabled exemption.

• County tax exemption: Some counties collect special taxes for flood control. If yours is one of those, you can receive an additional $3,000 exemption. Now your $200,000 home is only taxed like a $162,000 home!

Depending on the value of your home, those savings add up quickly!

Who qualifies for a Homestead Exemption in Texas?

Here are the basics to know whether you qualify:

• You own your home as of January 1 of this year.
• The home you are filing on is your primary residence as of January 1.
• You do not claim a homestead exemption on any other property.
• You're a surviving spouse of a fallen veteran, first-responder, or of an individual who qualified for the 65-or-over exemption.

Where to File for Your Homestead Exemption

Here are links to County websites to start the process:

Fort Bend Central Appraisal District

Harris County Appraisal District

Brazoria County Appraisal District

Montgomery Central Appraisal District

Waller County Appraisal District