Overview
- The homestead exemption reduces the taxable value that school districts can tax and can also trigger local tax breaks and the state 10% appraisal cap.
- State law requires a standard school-district exemption of $140,000 and an extra $60,000 for homeowners age 65 or older or with qualifying disabilities.
- To qualify owners must own and occupy the property as their primary residence on January 1 and they may claim only one primary residence.
- Homeowners apply free with their county appraisal district using the Texas Comptroller’s Residence Homestead Exemption form, the appraisal district must decide within 90 days, and applicants generally must file by April 30 to get the exemption for that tax year.
- Many eligible Texans do not claim the break because they lack awareness or the required Texas ID, undocumented residents are effectively excluded, most missed claims can be filed retroactively for refunds, and lawmakers are debating larger, statewide exemption amounts that would need new laws and voter approval.