Residence Homestead Exemption

One of the easiest ways you can lower your property taxes as a homeowner is to file a homestead exemption. Homestead tax exemptions shelter a certain dollar amount or percentage of home value from property taxes. You only need to file for a homestead exemption once, as long as the property remains your primary residence. 

What property qualifies as a homestead?

A homestead can be a separate structure, condominium, or a manufactured home located on owned or leased land, as long as the individual living in the home owns it. A homestead can include up to 20 acres, if the land is owned by the homeowner and used for a purpose related to the residential use of the homestead. Further, the home's owner must be an individual, not a corporation or other business entity.

Who is eligible for a homestead exemption?

You are eligible for a homestead exemption if you (1) own your home (partial ownership counts), (2) the home is your principal residence, and (3) you have a Texas driver’s license or Texas-issued personal identification certificate (your I.D. card address must match your principal residence address). 

Homeowners who qualify for a general residence homestead exemption are also eligible for the following exemptions if they meet these criteria: 

• Over 65 exemption: For homeowners 65 and older. If you are over 65 when you die, your surviving spouse, if they are 55 or older, will get your over-65 exemption. 
• Disability exemption: For homeowners (not their children) who have a disability that would qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. If you are a senior with a disability, you can take only one of the exemptions. 
• Veteran exemption: For veterans with a disability, their spouses and survivors, and spouses and survivors of military personnel killed on active duty. The amount of the exemption depends on the percentage of service-connected disability.

Exemption must be filed between January 1 and April 30.

You must apply with your county appraisal district to get a homestead exemption. Applying is free and only needs to be filed once. You can find forms on your appraisal district website or you can use the Texas Comptroller forms. General Exemption Form 50-114. 

For more information on exemption types, visit the Texas Comptroller's Homestead Exemption FAQ site.

Contact a Mortgage Professional near you for more information. 

Information provided by the Texas Comptroller Website. Click here for a full range of property tax assistance.