What is the Texas homestead exemption and how do I get it?

The residence homestead exemption lowers the taxable value of the home you own and live in as your main residence. School districts must exempt $140,000 of a homestead's value. People 65 or older or disabled get an extra $60,000. Other taxing units may offer an optional exemption of up to 20% of appraised value, with a $5,000 minimum. To qualify, you must have an ownership interest, use the home as your principal residence, and not claim a homestead elsewhere. Apply with your county appraisal district; the general deadline is before May 1. With a homestead exemption, the appraised value for taxes generally cannot rise more than 10% a year, plus the value of new improvements.

Check your local rule. This varies by state, county or city. Your permitting office has the final word; the official lookup pages below show you who that is.

Sources

• Property Tax ExemptionsTexas Comptroller of Public Accounts
• Valuing PropertyTexas Comptroller of Public Accounts