If you are a homeowner, you know property taxes are an unavoidable part of homeownership. You should know that homestead exemption can potentially help you save thousands by lowering your tax bill on your primary residence. See homestead exemption explained in the video above and highlights below!
What is a homestead exemption?
Homestead exemption removes part of your home’s value from taxation to lower your taxes. With homestead exemption in place, instead of paying taxes on the full assessed value of your home, you’ll deduct the amount you qualify for in exemptions. For example, if your home is appraised at $300,000 and you qualify for a $100,000 exemption, you would only pay taxes on $200,000.
What homestead exemptions are available?
Exemptions you may receive include exemptions for school taxes, county taxes, individuals age 65, or disabled homeowners. Make sure to read your county’s appraisal district website carefully to determine what exemptions you qualify for.
When can I apply for homestead exemption?
Beginning January 1, 2022, homeowners in Texas can apply for homestead exemption in the year that they purchase instead of waiting until the next year, allowing homeowners to see tax benefits sooner. The completed application and required documentation are due no later than April 30 of the tax year for which you are applying. A late homestead exemption application, however, may be filed up to two years after the delinquency date, which is usually Feb. 1.
How much does it cost to apply for homestead exemption?
Homestead exemption is free to file through your county’s appraisal district.
What are the requirements to apply for a homestead exemption?
You must be an individual homeowner (no corporations or business entities), occupy your home, and the home you’re filing homestead exemption for should be your principal residence. You’ll be asked to show your Texas driver’s license when you file, and the address on your license should match the address of the residence you’re filing homestead exemption for.
How do I apply?
To apply, visit your county’s appraisal district website. Note you only need to file once. See below for CAD links for all counties in the Greater Houston area.
Filing in Brazoria County
Brazoria County Appraisal District Information
Brazoria County Homestead Exemption Information
Download the Brazoria County Homestead Exemption Form
Filing in Chambers County
Chambers County Appraisal District Information
Chambers County Homestead Exemption Form Submission Information
Fill out the Chambers County Homestead Exemption Form
Filing in Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County Appraisal District Information
Fort Bend County Homestead Exemption Information
Download the Fort Bend County Homestead Exemption Form (eFile or PDF)
Filing in Galveston County
Galveston County Appraisal District Information
Galveston County Homestead Exemption Information
Galveston CAD: Homestead Exemption Online Submission
Filing in Harris County
Harris County residents can now file Homestead Exemption through a mobile app for iPhone and Android:
Click here to learn more about the Harris County app.
Harris County Appraisal District Information
Harris County Property Tax Exemption for Homeowners Info
Harris CAD Homestead Exemption Form (print or eFile)
Filing in Liberty County
Liberty County Appraisal District Information
Fill out the Liberty County Homestead Exemption Form (eFile)
Liberty CAD Homestead Exemption Application (PDF)
Filing in Montgomery County
Montgomery County Appraisal District Information
Montgomery County Homestead Exemption Information
Download the Montgomery County Homestead Exemption Form
Filing in Waller County
Waller County Appraisal District Information
Waller CAD Exemptions
Download the Waller County Homestead Exemption Form
Resources from the Texas Comptroller:
Homestead Exemption FAQs
Property Tax Exemptions
Still have questions? We’d be happy to help! Email or call us today:
Info@TheLokenGroup.com
(281) 861-4624