Texas Homestead Exemption Guide
The General Residence Homestead Exemption is the most common way Texas homeowners reduce their property tax burden. By removing a portion of your home's value from taxation, it directly lowers your annual bill.
How much does it save you?
As of the 2023 constitutional amendment, the standard school district homestead exemption is $100,000. This means if your home is appraised at $300,000, your school district taxes are calculated as if your home is only worth $200,000.
Additionally, many counties, cities, and special taxing districts offer their own optional percentage-based exemptions (up to 20%).
Who qualifies?
- You must own the property.
- You must occupy the property as your principal residence.
- You cannot claim a homestead exemption on another property anywhere else.
Over 65 & Disabled Exemptions
If you are 65 or older, or disabled, you qualify for an additional $10,000 minimum exemption on school taxes, plus a "tax ceiling" that freezes your school taxes so they cannot increase above the amount you pay in the year you qualify.
How to Apply
You apply for the exemption through your county's Central Appraisal District (CAD). The application is free. You will need a copy of your Texas driver's license or state ID, and the address on your ID must match the address of the homestead property.