Texas Homestead Exemptions

What is a Homestead Exemption?

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Homestead exemptions are granted by the county appraisal district where the property is located. The exemption reduces a homeowner's property tax bill by removing part of the home's value from taxation. All Texas homeowners may receive a general residence homestead exemption on the value of their property for school taxes upon application. 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.

Who Qualifies?

These requirements must be met to receive the exemption:

• You must own your home on January 1 of the year for which you are applying.
• You must reside at the home as your principal residence on January 1 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 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. 

How to Apply for a Homestead Exemption

Your Homestead Exemption will be denied unless all of the required documents show the same homestead address. First, fill out the application specific to your county appraisal district, then mail all of the documents to the appraisal district for your county.

https://fbcad.org/Forms-Submissions/Forms

https://hcad.org/hcad-online-services/homestead/

1. Go to your county's appraisal district website and download the Residence Homestead Exemption Application (Form 50-114).
2. Include a copy of your driver's license or identification card. Your driver's license needs to be from the Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS), and the address must match the homestead address.