What is a Homestead Exemption?
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 Exemption of $25,000 on the value of their property for school taxes. Other taxing entities may also offer exemptions on 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 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.)
- You must reside at the home as your principal residence on January 1st of that year, and can not claim any other property as your homestead.
- Only individual homeowners (not corporations or other entities) may receive a homestead exemption.
- A homestead can he a house, condo or 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.
- 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 linked here for Travis County.
- Include a copy of your DRIVER’S LICENSE or IDENTIFICATION CARD from the Texas Department of Public Safety. The address MUST MATCH the homestead address.
For more information, visit your local county appraisal district office or visit the Texas Comptroller’s website.
The laws changed in 2022. Please see new article here.
