What is a Homestead Exemption?
A homestead exemption reduces taxes by lowering a home’s taxable value. All school districts offer a $25,000 homestead exemption, and some taxing units offer additional optional reductions for the homestead exemption. Homeowners can lower their property taxes by applying for these exemptions for which they are eligible. You must OWN your own home and occupy it as your principal residence on January 1. You can have only ONE principal residence and ONE homestead exemption.
Who Qualifies?
These requirements must be met to receive the exemption:
1. You must own your home on January 1st of the year for which you are applying. (If you are over 65 and/or disabled, January 1st ownership and residency are not required.)
2. You must reside at the home as your principal residence on January 1st of that year, and not claim any other property as homestead.
3. Only individual homeowners (not corporations or other entities) may receive a homestead exemption.
4. 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.
5. You must apply between January 1st and April 30th of the year for which you want the exemption.
How do Homeowners Apply?
- Complete the APPLICATION FOR RESIDENTIAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION (available on the websites of most county appraisal districts, or at the Texas Comptroller’s website at http://comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/taxforms/50-114.pdf)
- Include a copy of your DRIVER’S LICENSE or IDENTIFICATION CARD from the Texas Department of Public Safety at www.txdps.state.tx.us. The address MUST MATCH the homestead address.
For more information, contact your local county appraisal district office, or visit http://comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/proptax/exemptions.html
