How do I file a homestead exemption in Montgomery County, TX?

To get a homestead exemption in Montgomery County, TX, file an application with the Montgomery Central Appraisal District for the home you own and live in as your main residence. It's free, you only file once, and it takes $140,000 off your home's taxable value for school district taxes. If you're 65 or older or disabled, you get an additional $60,000 off.

Here's how it works and what to know before you file.

What is a homestead exemption?

A homestead exemption lowers the taxable value of the home you live in, which lowers your property tax bill. Texas law requires every school district to give a $140,000 exemption on a residence homestead.

Here's the math on a $400,000 home:

$400,000 appraised value − $140,000 exemption = $260,000

You'd pay school district taxes as if your home were worth $260,000 instead of $400,000.

Other taxing units, like counties and cities, can choose to offer their own homestead exemption of up to 20% of your home's value. Those vary by taxing unit, so check what applies to your address.

How much did the exemption go up?

Texas voters raised the school district exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 in November 2025. It applies to tax years starting January 1, 2025. If you already had a homestead exemption on file, you didn't need to do anything to get the increase.

Who qualifies?

You qualify if you own the home and live in it as your principal residence. It has to be your main home. Rentals and second homes don't qualify.

Your Texas driver's license or state ID should show the address of the home you're claiming.

How do I file in Montgomery County?

File the Residence Homestead Exemption Application, Form 50-114, with the Montgomery Central Appraisal District. Include a copy of your Texas driver's license or ID showing the home's address. There's no fee to file.

You only apply once. After it's approved, the exemption stays in place each year as long as you own and live in the home.

When is the deadline?

The standard deadline is April 30 of the tax year. If you missed it, Texas accepts late applications for up to two years after the delinquency date.

What if I'm 65 or older or disabled?

School districts must give an additional $60,000 exemption to homeowners who are 65 or older or disabled. That's on top of the $140,000 general exemption.

Here's the math on that same $400,000 home:

$140,000 + $60,000 = $200,000 total exemption
$400,000 − $200,000 = $200,000 taxable value for school taxes

A surviving spouse who is 55 or older may be able to keep their late spouse's 65 or older exemption, as long as they keep living in the home.

Does the exemption limit how fast my taxes go up?

Yes. Once you have a homestead exemption, Texas limits how much your home's taxable value can go up each year to 10%, plus the value of any new improvements. Your market value can go up more than that, but the value you're taxed on can't.

Common questions about homestead exemptions in Montgomery County

I just bought a home. Does the seller's exemption carry over to me? No. The exemption belongs to the owner, not the house. You need to file your own application.

Do I have to reapply every year? No. You file once. The appraisal district can send you a letter asking you to confirm you still qualify, so answer it if one shows up. Ignoring it can cost you the exemption.

Should I pay a company to file for me? You don't need to. The application is free and you can file it yourself.

Does the homestead exemption lower my MUD taxes? It depends on the MUD. A MUD is its own taxing unit and sets its own exemption rules, so check with the district for the home you're buying.

Buying a home in Montgomery County?

If you're buying in Montgomery County and want help understanding the full property tax picture on a home, call me at 281.636.5633.