Here is what qualifies as a homestead and who’s eligible.
A property up to 20 acres in which has a separate structure, condominium, or manufactured home on owned or leased land.
You are eligible for the Texas homestead exemption if (1) You own the home (2) Serves as your primary residence and (3) You have a valid Texas Driver’s license or Identification with the address in which you are seeking the homestead exemption for.
It is important to note that you may continue to receive the exemption if you temporarily move for up to 2 years, so long as you do not establish a principal residence elsewhere. However, if you are military personal actively serving in the armed forces you may extend past the 2 years.
Homeowners who qualify for a general Homestead exemption in Texas may also qualify for additional exemptions as follows:
Over 65 exemptions: A Texas Homeowner qualifies this exemption in the year in which they turn 65, regardless of when your birthday is. For example, if you turn 65 in November, you are entitled to this exemption for the entire year.
Disability Exemption: This applies to homeowners who qualify for social security disability benefits, this does not include the homeowner’s children. If you are a senior with a disability, you may only take one of the exemptions, usually the one that benefits you the most.
Disabled Veterans Exemption: The amount of exemption depends on the percentage of service-connected disability and may be passed down to survivors. 100% disabled veterans receive a 100% property tax exemption. Spouses of military personnel killed on active duty may qualify for this exemption if not remarried.
Your entitled to this much with the Texas residence homestead exemption.
As a Texas homeowner, you are entitled to some property tax breaks to help reduce the burden of high property taxes. These exemption amounts apply to most Texas counties; however, each jurisdiction reserves the right to allow more than is mandated by the state.
School taxes: All Texas residence homestead owners are allowed a minimum of $40,000 residence homestead exemption from their home’s value for school taxes.
County taxes: If a Texas county collects a special tax for farm-to-market roads or flood control, a Texas residence homestead is allowed to receive a $3,000 exemption for this tax. If the county grants an optional exemption for homeowners aged 65 or older or disabled, the owners will receive only the local-option exemption.
Age 65 or older and disabled exemptions: Individuals aged 65 or older or disabled Texas residence homestead owners qualify for a $10,000 residence homestead exemption for school taxes, in addition to the $40,000 exemption for all homeowners. If the owner qualifies for both the $10,000 exemption for age 65 or older homeowners and the $10,000 exemption for disabled homeowners, the owner must choose one or the other for school taxes. The owner cannot receive both exemptions.
Don’t miss the deadline to file your Texas residence homestead exemption application.
Applications and the required documentation are due no later than the 30th of April for the tax year in which you are applying. If you forgot to file your homestead, you may file a late homestead up to two years after the delinquency date of February 1st.
Filing your residence homestead exemption application is as easy as pie, somewhat.
You may email the completed Residence Homestead Exemption Application (Form 50-114) to your local appraisal district or email it. Most counties have their mailing address and an email listed on their website. If you’re not sure where to send it to, a Texas Appraisal District representative will always be kind enough to assist if you call them.
Download the form from our website. Residence Homestead Exemption Application (Form 50-114).
Make sure to include a copy of your drivers license with your most current updated address, this may be waived if you are currently serving on active duty.
Please make sure that you save a copy of the submitted application in case the application gets lost, along with proof that you submitted it such as a certified mail receipt or an email read-receipt confirmation.
Homeowners also have the right to appeal their Texas appraisals and should do so each year!
Homeowners also have a right to appeal the annual appraisals of the appraisal district and is highly encouraged that you protest your valuation each year. The appraisal methods used by the appraisal district often time leads to over appraisals thus overtaxing you! If you can successfully reduce your market value, then this will reduce the amount of property taxes you pay each year. Exemption amounts are applied after the reduced market value.
Texas Property tax protest companies like Alamo Ad Valorem help folks fight their property taxes each year, and homeowners normally only pay when their taxes are reduced. Contact us today to see how our property tax advisors can help you save on your property taxes this year.