What is a Homestead Exemption?

Mar 1

The Homestead Exemption is the most common type of tax exemption, but what is it and how do you apply?

What is the homestead exemption?

Simply put, the homestead exemption is a form of tax relief in Texas available to those who own and occupy their home as their primary residence. Your exact savings with the homestead exemption depends on the exemption amounts and tax levels adopted by your city, county, and other local governments. This exemption can take as much as 20% off of your taxable value… it is significant!

How do I apply for a homestead exemption?

To apply for a homestead exemption, the homeowner must be occupying the property as their homestead on January 1st of the tax year in which the exemption is granted.

The process can vary slightly from one county to the next. But in general, it works like this:

Visit the tax appraisal website for your county for specific instructions.
Obtain a copy of the “Application of Residential Homestead Exemption” (a.k.a., Property Tax Form 50-114) from your local appraisal district.
Complete the application with the required information about yourself and the property you’re claiming as a primary residence.
Submit the form in accordance with instructions provided by your appraisal district.
Provide any additional items your district might require (e.g., copy of driver’s license with your CURRENT address!!!).
Follow up with your local appraisal district if you don’t receive any confirmation.

Your Appraisal District should automatically send an application form to all new property owners around the first of February. (If you purchased a home in Dallas County in 2022, you should have received your application from the Appraisal District this week!) If you do not receive the application or if you need additional information, contact your county appraisal district.

**If you purchased your home in 2022, your application is due by April 30th!**

Find out more information here:

Collin County