Texas homestead exemptions can help offset the cost of your property taxes by reducing the taxable value of your home. Rules for qualifying for the exemption are straightforward, as are the application and renewal processes. If you are a homeowner in Texas, a quick call or visit to your county tax appraiser-collector’s office is time well spent to determine if you qualify for a homestead exemption.
Tips
You have up to two years to file for Texas Homestead Exemption in your appraisal district after your homestead property taxes are due. After you've filed and received your exemption, you don't have to reapply unless you receive another application from the chief appraiser or your qualifications change (for example, if you become disabled and qualify for an additional exemption).
Origins of Texas Homestead Exemption
The concept of providing favorable tax treatment and protection from creditors for a family home has existed in Texas since 1829. The homestead exemption has existed continuously in Texas law since the Constitution of 1845. As of 2019, a homestead plus surrounding land may not exceed 20 acres.
Texas Homestead Exemption Restrictions
Not all homes qualify for the Texas homestead exemption. To qualify, the homeowner must live in the house as her principle residence as of January 1 of the tax year for which the exemption is sought. Only homes owned by individuals are eligible for the exemption; homes owned by businesses or corporations do not qualify. If you are age 65 or older, you are exempt from these requirements and can apply for the homestead exemption even if you do not own and live in the home as of January 1.
Texas Homestead Exemption Benefits
Texas homestead exemptions result in several benefits for homeowners. Homeowners receive a $25,000 exemption in the value of their home for school tax purposes. People age 65 and older and the disabled receive an additional $10,000 exemption for school taxes; however, a person who qualifies for the age 65 and disabled exemptions can only use one exemption for school tax purposes. People age 65 and older and the disabled also receive a minimum of an additional $10,000 exemption. Disabled veterans may be eligible for a 100 percent homestead exemption.
Homeowners may also receive a $3,000 exemption if the county in which they live charges taxes for activities such as road maintenance or flood control. Taxing authorities such as counties or cities can choose to offer an additional exemption of at least $5,000 or up to 20 percent of the home’s value.
Frequency of Application
Once your county’s chief appraiser approves your application for a homestead exemption, you do not need to reapply for the exemption unless the chief appraiser sends a new application and requests that you reapply.
Completing the Paperwork
Homeowners must complete Texas’ “Application for Residence Homestead Exemption” to be considered for any and all homestead-related exemptions. The form is available from your county tax assessor-collector’s office, or for download from the Window on State Government website. See the Resources section below for the link.
References
- Texas State Historical Association: Homestead Law
- Window on State Government: Property Tax Assistance
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: Residence Homestead Exemption Frequently Asked Questions
- Congressional Research Service. "Homestead Exemptions in Bankruptcy After the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA)," Summary Page. Accessed April 17, 2020.
- Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. "Property Tax Homestead Exemptions." Accessed April 17, 2020.
- Connecticut General Assembly, OLR Research Report. "State Homestead Exemption and Credit Programs." Accessed April 17, 2020.
- Congressional Research Service. "Homestead Exemptions in Bankruptcy After the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA)," Pages 4-46. Accessed April 17, 2020.
- Congressional Research Service. "Homestead Exemptions in Bankruptcy After the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA)," Pages 9 and 41. Accessed April 17, 2020.
- U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Law Revision Counsel. "11 USC 522: Exemptions." Accessed Feb. 2, 2020.
- Federal Register. "Revision of Certain Dollar Amounts in the Bankruptcy Code Prescribed Under Section 104(a) of the Code." Accessed Feb. 2, 2020.
- Congressional Research Service. "Homestead Exemptions in Bankruptcy After the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA)," Pages 31 and 36. Accessed April 17, 2020.