How and Where to Apply for a Homestead Exemption in Texas After Closing on Your Home

How and Where to Apply for a Homestead Exemption in Texas After Closing on Your Home

Buying a home in Texas? Congratulations! Now, a valuable next step is to apply for a homestead exemption, which can lower your property taxes and offer long-term financial benefits. Here’s everything you need to know:

What Is a Homestead Exemption?

A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your home—thereby lowering your property taxes. In Texas, it:

• Caps annual property tax increases at 10% for your primary residence

• Offers additional exemptions for seniors (65+), disabled individuals, veterans, and surviving spouses

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible, you must:

1. Own the home (partial ownership counts).

2. Use it as your principal residence.

3. Have a Texas driver’s license or ID with the same address as the property

Special categories (eligible for enhanced exemptions):

• Seniors (65+) or disabled persons: Additional $10,000 school tax exemption

• Disabled Veterans: Exemption value varies with disability rating—up to full exemption for 100% disabled

• Surviving spouses: Of veterans, first responders, or military members—may qualify under specific conditions Texas Comptroller.

When to Apply

• General exemption: Submit between January 1 and April 30 to ensure it applies before your fall tax statement

• Late applications are accepted:

  • Up to 2 years after taxes become delinquent

• For senior or disability exemptions:

  • Apply within one year of qualifying to receive the benefit for that year TexasLawHelp.orgHCAD.

How to Apply

1. Obtain the right form:

   • Use Form 50-114: General Residence Homestead Exemption Texas Comptroller+1.

   • For over-65, disabled, or manufactured homes, attach Form 50-144-A TexasLawHelp.org.

   • For veteran exemptions, use Form 50-135 Texas Comptroller.

2. Fill out the form and gather documentation, such as:

   • Copy of your Texas driver’s license or ID matching your homestead address

   • If applying for disability or veteran exemptions, include supporting documentation (e.g., VA disability rating)

3. Submit your application:

   • Send it to your local county appraisal district (CAD)—many have online submission options as well help.bcad.orgtad.org.

   • In areas like Bexar County, you may apply through the CAD’s online services portal help.bcad.org.

   • Other districts (e.g., Fort Bend, Harris) require mail or in-person submission and require your ID’s address to match exactly

4. No fee is required, and once approved, you don’t need to reapply annually

   
   

Why It Matters

• Cost savings: Slows annual increase of your appraised value to 10%—potentially saving you thousands

• Additional perks: Seniors, disabled, veterans, and others may receive extra exemptions.

• Protection: Helps shield value and taxes in inheritance, disaster, or relocation scenarios

How-To Summary Table

Keep an Eye on Legislative Changes

New tax relief measures are on the horizon:

• Pending bills could increase exemptions to $140,000 for most homeowners, and up to $200,000 for seniors and disabled individuals—potentially eliminating school property taxes for many

• These relief measures require voter approval in November and may reshape homestead benefits substantially

Final Takeaway

Applying for a homestead exemption in Texas is free, effective, and easy—especially after closing on your home. A little effort now means long-term tax relief and financial peace of mind.

Need help locating the right form or contact information for your local CAD? Just let me know—I’m happy to assist!