Homestead Exemption Program

What is the Texas Homestead Exemption Program?

The Texas Homestead Exemption Program helps lower your property taxes by reducing the taxable value of your home. If your home is in a school district, you may qualify for the general residence homestead exemption, which takes $100,000 off your home’s taxable value. You may also qualify for an additional exemption called the local option exemption, which can reduce your home’s value for taxes by up to 20% of its appraised value.

For example, if your home is worth $300,000 and you get the $100,000 school exemption, you would pay school taxes as if your home were worth $200,000. With the local option residence homestead exemption, you can save an additional 20% of your home’s taxable value, lowering your property taxes even more.

Other Texas property tax exemptions

Age 65 or Older or Disabled Persons Exemption

If you are 65 or older, or disabled, some school districts give an extra $10,000 off your home's taxable value. To get this exemption, you must:

• Be 65 or older
• Own the home
• Live in the home as your main place to live

Note: If your spouse who was 65 or older has passed away, and you are 55 or older, you might still be able to use their exemption, as long as you live in the home.

Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses Exemption

Texas gives special tax help for disabled veterans if the home and owner meet certain rules. The exemption can lower some or all of the home's taxable value, depending on the veteran’s disability rating from the U.S. Veterans Administration or military branch. The unmarried surviving spouse and children of a disabled veteran may also qualify for this exemption.

How do I apply for the Texas Homestead Exemption Program?

To get a homestead exemption, you will need to either fill out an application or take a completed application to your county appraisal district office. Applying is free and you only need to apply once.

To apply for the general homestead exemption, use the Residence Homestead Exemption Application. You can download and print it here:

• Residential Homestead Exemption Application

If you’re 65 or older or disabled, you’ll also need to fill out the Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits, along with the main application. This form is available below:

• Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits form

What if I need help applying for the Texas Homestead Exemption Program?

If you need help applying for the Texas Homestead Exemption or have questions, you can:

• Find your local county tax office by searching this directory.
• Call the Texas Comptroller’s Property Tax Division at 800-252-9121 or email them at ptad.cpa@cpa.texas.gov.