Texas Homestead Exemption: Rules & Savings

by
Texas statewide property-tax guide • updated for 2026

Texas Homestead Exemption: Rules, Savings, Forms and Filing Steps

The Texas homestead exemption can reduce the taxable value of a home you own and occupy as your principal residence. It can also unlock other protections that homeowners frequently confuse with the exemption itself—including the residence-homestead 10% appraisal limitation and, for qualifying age-65-or-older or disabled owners, a school property-tax ceiling.

Under the current 2026 rules, every Texas school district must provide a $140,000 general residence-homestead exemption. A qualifying owner who is age 65 or older or disabled receives an additional mandatory $60,000 school-district exemption.

Where do you file? With the county appraisal district where the property is located. Do not send Form 50-114 to the Texas Comptroller. The Comptroller publishes the statewide form and guidance, while the local appraisal district’s chief appraiser determines whether the property qualifies.
$140K School exemption Mandatory general residence homestead.
+$60K 65+ / disabled Additional mandatory school exemption.
20% Local option Up to 20% of value, subject to local adoption.
10% Appraisal limit Annual qualifying homestead appraised-value rule.
2 yrs Late filing General late homestead window can remain open.
20 ac. Residence land Form 50-114 asks for up to 20 occupied homestead acres.
Texas Homestead Action Center Jump directly to the task that matches your situation.
01 Qualify & Start
What homestead actually does Who qualifies Find your appraisal district Bought after January 1
02 Apply Correctly
Exact filing workflow Form 50-114 explained Documents checklist ID address rules
03 Savings & Limits
2026 exemption amounts Savings examples 10% appraisal cap 65+ / disabled ceiling
04 Special Situations
Late homestead filing Inherited / heir property Manufactured homes Veterans & survivors
Choose your situation

What Do You Need to Do Right Now?

I just bought a Texas home Find the correct CAD, prepare your ID and file the current application. I forgot to file homestead Check the late-filing window before assuming you lost the benefit. I want to know how much the exemption is Separate school, county and optional local exemptions. My market value jumped more than 10% See why the homestead appraisal limitation may still be working. I turned 65 or became disabled Check the extra $60,000 school exemption and tax ceiling. I inherited the house Texas allows a special heir-property homestead path. I own a manufactured home See the ownership-document and affidavit alternatives. I filed but cannot see my exemption Verify the tax year, account and taxing-unit exemption details.
The process in one view

Texas Homestead Filing Workflow

1 Find CAD Select the correct county appraisal district.
2 Verify account Match owner, address and property ID.
3 Prepare proof ID, ownership and special documents.
4 File Online or current Form 50-114.
5 Save receipt Keep submission evidence.
6 Verify Confirm the exemption appears.
First understand the four different benefits

What Does the Texas Homestead Exemption Actually Do?

Texas has no state property tax. Local school districts, counties, cities and special districts levy property taxes using values determined through county appraisal districts.

When a residence qualifies as a homestead, several separate property-tax protections can come into play.

1. Dollar exemption A fixed amount of value is removed from taxation. The major statewide example is the $140,000 mandatory school exemption.
2. Local-option exemption A taxing unit may adopt an additional percentage or other authorized exemption under Texas law.
3. Homestead appraisal limitation A qualifying residence homestead receives an annual limitation on appraised-value growth.
4. Tax ceiling Qualifying age-65-or-older or disabled homeowners can receive a school property-tax ceiling.
Do not mix these together. The $140,000 exemption is not the 10% cap. The 10% cap is not the senior tax ceiling. A homeowner can have more than one of these benefits at the same time.
Eligibility test

Who Qualifies for a Texas Residence Homestead Exemption?

You have an ownership interest. You do not always need a conventional deed in your name if you qualify through an authorized heir-property or other ownership route.
You occupy the property as your principal residence. A second home, vacation home or ordinary rental property is not your residence homestead merely because you own it.
You are an individual qualifying owner. Residence-homestead rules are designed for qualifying individual owners, including certain trust, heir and life-estate arrangements recognized by law.
You are not claiming another residence homestead. Form 50-114 requires an affirmation that another residence-homestead exemption is not being claimed in Texas or outside Texas.
A qualifying residence may be a house, condominium, manufactured home or other eligible residential property. A residence homestead can generally include up to 20 acres used for residential occupancy, subject to the statutory definition and the facts of the property.
Where to file

Find the Appraisal District That Handles Your Homestead

254
Texas Comptroller County Directory Official appraisal-district directory for all Texas counties.
Find My County Appraisal District
Open the Comptroller directory above.
Select the county where the property is physically located. Do not choose a county merely because it appears in your mailing address.
Find the Appraisal District section. The state directory provides the official website and contact information.
Open the appraisal district website.
Search your property account. Confirm the property address, account number, owner and legal description.
Find Exemptions, Forms or Online Services. Local wording varies by county.
Correct-office shortcut: the appraisal district handles exemptions and appraisal values. A tax assessor-collector handles tax statements and payments. A county clerk handles deeds and recorded land documents.
2026 statewide amounts

How Much Is the Texas Homestead Exemption?

Benefit
Applies to
Current rule
General residence homestead
School districts
Mandatory $140,000 exemption.
General local option
City, county, school or special district
A taxing unit may adopt an exemption up to 20% of appraised value. The exemption cannot be less than $5,000.
County farm-to-market / flood control
Applicable counties
$3,000 residence-homestead exemption when the county levies the applicable tax.
Age 65 or older / disabled
School districts
Additional mandatory $60,000 residence-homestead exemption.
Local age 65 / disabled option
Eligible local taxing units
A taxing unit may adopt an additional exemption. The adopted amount cannot be less than $3,000.
Do not subtract $140,000 from every taxing jurisdiction. The $140,000 exemption is mandatory for school-district taxation. Cities, counties, MUDs, hospital districts and other taxing units can apply different exemptions.
What does that mean in dollars?

Texas Homestead Exemption Savings Examples

Exemption savings depend on the exemption amount and the tax rate of the taxing unit that grants the exemption.

Simple savings formula
Exemption Amount × Tax Rate = Approximate Tax Savings

Convert the tax rate to decimal form. For example, 0.90% = 0.009.

$300,000 home

School exemption: $140,000

$300,000 − $140,000 = $160,000

Before other exemptions or adjustments, the school district taxes $160,000 rather than $300,000.

Example school-rate savings

Exemption: $140,000

Example rate: 0.90%

$140,000 × 0.009 = $1,260

Approximate annual reduction from that exemption at the example rate: $1,260.

Age 65 / disabled example

Additional school exemption: $60,000

Example rate: 0.90%

$60,000 × 0.009 = $540

Approximate additional reduction before considering a tax ceiling.

These examples explain the calculation only. Your actual tax savings depend on your account’s appraised value, taxing jurisdictions, local-option exemptions, ceilings and adopted tax rates.
Exact beginner workflow

How to Apply for a Texas Homestead Exemption

FORM
Texas Comptroller Property Tax Forms Use the current Form 50-114 or your CAD’s approved online process.
Open Current Texas Exemption Forms
Find your county appraisal district. Use the Comptroller’s county directory and open the correct official CAD website.
Search the property account before applying. Match the address, owner, account number and legal description.
Check whether a homestead exemption already appears. Avoid filing a duplicate application without understanding the account.
Look for the CAD’s own online homestead service. Many large appraisal districts provide electronic filing.
If necessary, use current Form 50-114. On the Comptroller forms page, find Residence Homestead Exemption Application — Form 50-114.
Prepare identification and ownership information. Do not upload ID to a private website or email address that you have not independently verified.
Enter the acquisition and occupancy dates accurately. These dates matter when the property was purchased after January 1.
Add special documentation when required. Heir property, manufactured homes, disability, veteran and unusual ownership situations can require additional evidence.
Submit to the county appraisal district. Do not submit the application to the Texas Comptroller.
Save proof immediately. Keep your confirmation number, submitted PDF, certified-mail receipt or stamped in-person copy.
Verify approval later. Return to the CAD property account and make sure the exemption is actually listed.
Current Form 50-114 • Rev. 02-26

What the Current Texas Homestead Form Actually Asks You

The official application contains several fields that short exemption articles often ignore. Preparing these before you start can prevent an incomplete filing.

Late application The form asks whether you are filing late and which tax year or years the application covers.
Exemption requested General homestead, disabled person, age 65 or older and applicable special residence-homestead categories.
Previous homestead The form asks whether you had a residence-homestead exemption on a previous residence and whether you are transferring a limitation.
Ownership percentage Multiple owners may need to state their percentage ownership interests.
Date acquired Use your actual acquisition/closing information rather than estimating.
Principal-residence date The form asks when you began occupying the property as your principal residence.
Physical address The application asks for the property’s physical street address, not only a mailing P.O. box.
Recorded ownership It asks whether the applicant is identified on a deed or other recorded instrument.
Heir property The current form specifically asks whether the property is heir property and whether other heir owners occupy it.
Manufactured home Make, model and identification-number fields are included when applicable.
Income-producing portion The form asks whether any portion produces income and, if so, the percentage.
Residence acreage The form asks how many acres you own and occupy as your principal residence, not to exceed 20 acres for this field.
The current form contains a legal affirmation. It warns that knowingly making a false statement can trigger criminal consequences under Texas law. Do not guess about ownership, occupancy, other homesteads or income-producing use.
Prepare before you open the filing portal

Texas Homestead Exemption Document Checklist

CAD property/account number Save it from the appraisal-district property search.
Texas driver license or personal ID The residence-address requirement generally applies unless a statutory waiver or exception covers your situation.
Acquisition date Use closing or deed records.
Principal-residence occupancy date Important for buyers qualifying during a tax year.
Ownership/deed information Have the deed or recording information available when known.
Legal description Particularly useful for rural, multi-acre or complex parcels.
Special exemption evidence Disability, veteran, surviving-spouse and similar applications can require specific supporting documentation.
Submission receipt Plan to save proof before closing the filing portal.
Important privacy + eligibility detail

Does Your Texas ID Address Have to Match the Homestead?

The current Form 50-114 generally requires the property owner to provide qualifying Texas identification and ordinarily requires the address on the identification to correspond with the homestead property address.

The current form also contains specific waiver boxes.

Health / infirmity / aging facility resident The form provides a documentation-waiver route for an applicant who is a resident of a qualifying facility providing services related to health, infirmity or aging.
Address Confidentiality Program The form recognizes certification for the Texas Attorney General’s address-confidentiality program.
Active-duty military An active-duty member of the U.S. armed services or an active-duty member’s spouse can request the applicable address-matching waiver.
Specified driver’s-license situations The application provides an address-waiver route for specified licenses issued under the cited Texas Transportation Code provisions.
If your license still shows your old home: do not assume the appraisal district will ignore it. Update the address or determine whether you actually qualify for one of the statutory waiver routes.
Driver-license and personal-identification numbers disclosed in an exemption application receive statutory confidentiality protections, but you should still submit sensitive documents only through an independently verified appraisal-district channel.
Bought after January 1?

You May Be Able to Receive Homestead During the Same Tax Year

Texas allows a qualifying owner who acquires a property after January 1 to receive the general residence-homestead exemption for the applicable portion of the tax year immediately upon qualification when the preceding owner did not receive the same exemption for that tax year.

Search the property account first. Check whether the seller’s homestead remains on the current account.
Confirm your acquisition date.
Confirm when the property became your principal residence.
File promptly with the appraisal district. Do not automatically wait until January of the next year.
Ask how current-year proration will appear. The exact account treatment can depend on the taxing unit and timing.
Buyer budgeting trap: never use the seller’s old property-tax bill as a guaranteed estimate of your future bill. The seller may have had a homestead cap, senior tax ceiling, veteran exemption or other benefits that do not carry over in the same way.
Missed April 30?

Texas Late Homestead Exemption Rules

The general deadline for many Texas property-tax exemption applications is before May 1, commonly described as April 30.

Missing that ordinary deadline does not automatically end your ability to claim a residence homestead for the affected year.

General late residence-homestead rule: Texas Tax Code Section 11.431 generally requires the chief appraiser to accept and approve or deny a late residence-homestead application filed no later than two years after the delinquency date for the taxes on the homestead.
Identify the tax year you missed.
Search the CAD account for that year’s exemption history.
Open the district’s current homestead filing system or Form 50-114.
Use the late-application field. The current form asks whether the filing is late and for which tax year or years.
Submit evidence that you qualified during the requested year.
Keep filing proof and monitor the appraisal roll.
If taxes were already paid, watch for the correction/refund process. Approved late exemptions can lead to a tax-roll correction and, where applicable, refund of overpaid tax.
Do not self-deny because April passed. Contact the appraisal district and determine which tax years remain available under the late-filing statute.
Submission is not approval

How to Check Whether Your Homestead Exemption Was Approved

Return to the appraisal district’s property search.
Open the exact property account. Match the account number and address.
Select the correct tax year. Do not accidentally review last year’s exemption details.
Find Exemptions, Jurisdictions or Taxable Value. The section name varies by CAD.
Confirm the general residence-homestead exemption appears.
Check special benefits separately. Age-65, disability, veteran or local-option benefits can appear as separate exemption entries.
Compare each taxing unit. The school district, county, city and special districts may have different taxable values.
If it is still missing, contact the CAD with your filing receipt.
One of the most misunderstood Texas property-tax rules

How the Texas Homestead 10% Appraisal Limitation Works

A qualifying residence homestead’s appraised value generally cannot increase by more than the statutory calculation from one year to the next when the owner qualified for the homestead in both the preceding and current year.

The limit is the lesser of the property’s current market value or:

Prior Appraised Value + 10% + Value of Qualifying New Improvements

Example

Prior-year appraised value: $300,000

Current market value: $380,000

No qualifying new improvements.

$300,000 + $30,000 = $330,000

The CAD may display a market value of $380,000 while the qualifying appraised value is limited to $330,000.

The cap does not limit market value to 10%. A homeowner can see a market-value increase greater than 10% while the appraised-value limitation still reduces the taxable calculation.
New improvements can increase the capped calculation. Texas treats qualifying improvements that increase market value differently from routine repair and maintenance.
Age 65 or older / qualifying disability

$60,000 Additional School Exemption + School Tax Ceiling

A qualifying homeowner who is age 65 or older or disabled receives an additional mandatory $60,000 school-district exemption under the current rules.

Example

Appraised value: $400,000

General school exemption: $140,000

Additional age-65/disabled school exemption: $60,000

$400,000 − $140,000 − $60,000 = $200,000

Who qualifies as disabled?

For this exemption, Texas uses the disability definition associated with eligibility for disability insurance benefits under the federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Act. Benefits under another program do not automatically establish qualification.

School property-tax ceiling

The age-65-or-older or disabled residence-homestead exemption also qualifies an owner for a school district tax ceiling.

In general, the qualifying school tax cannot increase above the statutory ceiling while the owner continues to own and occupy the home. If the normal calculated school tax later falls below the ceiling, the homeowner pays the lower amount.

Adding a qualifying new improvement—such as a new room or garage—can increase the ceiling. Routine repair and maintenance are treated differently.

Can the ceiling move to another Texas home?

Yes. Texas provides a percentage-based transfer mechanism when a qualifying homeowner moves to another Texas residence homestead.

Official-style example

Old home’s ceiling: $100

School tax without ceiling: $400

$100 ÷ $400 = 25%

If the normal school tax on the new homestead is $1,000, a transferred ceiling using that percentage would be $250.

A person who is both age 65 or older and disabled may qualify under both statuses in the same year, but the same taxing unit does not simply stack both additional exemptions. Ask the appraisal district which benefit is applied by each taxing unit.

Surviving Spouse of a Homeowner Age 65 or Older

Texas provides continuation rules for certain surviving spouses. A surviving spouse who is at least 55 years old may be able to continue the qualifying age-65-or-older homestead benefit and tax ceiling if the statutory ownership, occupancy and timing requirements are satisfied.

After a qualifying owner’s death, contact the appraisal district rather than assuming the account will automatically update every exemption and tax-ceiling field.
Annual renewal?

Do You Have to Reapply for Texas Homestead Every Year?

Generally, no. An approved residence-homestead exemption normally continues without a brand-new application every tax year.

An appraisal district can require updated information or a new application under circumstances allowed by Texas law—for example, when the chief appraiser has reason to believe the owner no longer qualifies.

Watch for “renew your homestead” solicitations. Verify any requalification demand through the appraisal district’s official website or published phone number before sending identification or paying a company.
Inherited residence

Texas Homestead Exemption for Heir Property

Texas specifically provides a residence-homestead path for qualifying heir property.

Heir property generally involves property acquired through a will, transfer-on-death deed or intestacy where one or more heirs have ownership interests and at least one owner claims the property as a residence homestead.

AFF
Form 50-114-A — Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits Official affidavits for qualifying ownership situations.
Open Homestead Affidavit Forms

If the heir-property applicant is not specifically identified as the owner in a deed or other recorded instrument, the appraisal district can require:

Ownership-interest affidavit Establish the applicant’s claimed heir-property ownership interest.
Prior owner’s death certificate Provide a copy as part of the heir-property documentation.
Most recent utility bill Texas guidance specifically lists the property’s recent utility bill.
Court-record citation Provide a citation to an available court record relating to ownership, if one exists.
Affidavits from other occupying heirs Other heir owners who occupy the property as a principal residence may need to authorize submission of the application.
Your name not appearing on a conventional deed does not automatically eliminate homestead eligibility. Use the heir-property provisions instead of abandoning the application.
Manufactured-home owners

Can a Manufactured Home Receive the Texas Homestead Exemption?

Yes. A qualifying manufactured home can be a residence homestead. The ownership-document route can differ from a conventional house.

Statement of Ownership A Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs ownership record can support the application.
Purchase agreement or receipt Applicable purchase documentation can support ownership under the authorized statutory route.
Form 50-114-A affidavit The current affidavit form includes a route for a manufactured-home owner who lacks the ordinary written ownership document after making a good-faith effort to locate the seller.
Make, model and ID The current Form 50-114 specifically asks for manufactured-home identifying information.
If the manufactured home and land have separate ownership or appraisal accounts, ask the appraisal district which account or accounts must be included in the homestead filing.

What If Part of the Homestead Is Rented or Used for Business?

The current Form 50-114 asks whether any portion of the property is income producing and, if yes, asks for the percentage that produces income.

This is important for properties containing a rental unit, commercial space or other income-producing use.

Report the facts accurately. Do not hide a business or rental portion simply because you believe the residential part should qualify. The appraisal district determines the qualifying homestead portion under Texas law.
Disabled veterans & survivors

Texas Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemptions

Disabled-veteran property-tax exemptions are separate from the ordinary disabled-person residence-homestead exemption.

VA disability rating
General exemption
Practical meaning
10%–29%
Up to $5,000
Partial disabled-veteran exemption under the applicable Texas provision.
30%–49%
Up to $7,500
Requires qualifying service-connected disability evidence.
50%–69%
Up to $10,000
Can apply to qualifying property under the statutory disabled-veteran rule.
70%–100%
Up to $12,000
Separate from the total 100%-disabled-veteran residence-homestead exemption.

100% disabled veteran residence homestead

A veteran who receives 100% disability compensation due to a service-connected disability and has a qualifying 100% disability rating or individual-unemployability determination from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can qualify for exemption of the total appraised value of the residence homestead.

VA
Texas Disabled Veteran Exemption FAQ Official disability-rating, survivor and filing guidance.
Open Disabled Veteran Guidance
Certain disabled-veteran exemptions have longer late-filing rules. The 100% disabled-veteran residence-homestead exemption can generally be filed up to five years after the applicable delinquency date.

Other Total Residence-Homestead Exemptions for Surviving Spouses

Surviving spouse of 100% disabled veteran The benefit can continue when the statutory residence, ownership and remarriage conditions are satisfied.
Armed-services member killed in the line of duty Texas provides a total residence-homestead exemption for a qualifying surviving spouse who has not remarried.
First responder killed in the line of duty A qualifying surviving spouse can receive a total residence-homestead exemption under the applicable statute.
Certain qualifying veterans Current Texas law also provides a total residence-homestead exemption for certain surviving spouses of veterans whose death resulted from a qualifying condition or disease covered by the applicable statute.
Less commonly discussed 2026 protection

Temporary Exemption When a Homestead Improvement Is Destroyed by Fire

Current Texas law provides temporary property-tax relief involving an improvement to a residence homestead that:

  • is completely destroyed by fire;
  • was a habitable dwelling immediately before the fire; and
  • remains uninhabitable for at least 30 days after the fire.
Disaster and fire-related exemptions use specialized rules and timing. Contact the appraisal district promptly rather than waiting for the next ordinary homestead filing season.
Moving within Texas

Does the Homestead Exemption Automatically Follow You to a New House?

No. The residence-homestead exemption is tied to the qualifying property. When you move, you normally apply for homestead on the new residence.

Search your new home’s CAD account.
File a new homestead application for the new property.
Provide your previous residence and county when requested. The current Form 50-114 includes previous-residence information.
Indicate whether you are transferring a tax limitation. The form specifically asks about this.
If age 65 or disabled, request the appropriate ceiling transfer.
Verify the new CAD account after processing.
Exemption denied?

What to Do If the Appraisal District Denies Your Homestead

Read the notice rather than only checking the website. Identify the district’s stated reason for denial.
Determine whether the issue is documentation or eligibility. An ID mismatch is different from a dispute about ownership or principal residence.
Gather the missing evidence.
Check the deadline for protesting the exemption determination.
File with the Appraisal Review Board when appropriate. Use the appraisal district’s official protest process.
Keep copies of the application, denial and protest filing.
ARB
Texas Appraisal Protests and Appeals Official statewide explanation of ARB rights.
Open Official Protest Guide
Stop calling the wrong office

Which Texas Property Office Handles Your Question?

Your question
Correct office
What that office does
Homestead exemption
County appraisal district
Approves exemptions and maintains appraisal values.
Market/appraised value
County appraisal district
Determines appraisal value and administers protests.
Tax bill / payment
Tax assessor-collector / collecting unit
Bills and collects property taxes.
Deed / recorded ownership
County clerk
Maintains recorded real-property documents.
Statewide law / forms
Texas Comptroller
Publishes statewide guidance and forms; does not approve your application.
Avoid preventable problems

Texas Homestead Mistakes That Cost Homeowners Time or Money

Sending Form 50-114 to the Comptroller Your county appraisal district processes the application.
Paying a private company for the basic application Filing directly with the appraisal district is not supposed to require a private filing company.
Using the old $100,000 figure Current Texas school homestead rules use $140,000.
Calling the 10% cap an exemption It is an appraised-value limitation.
Expecting market value to rise only 10% Market value can rise by more than the capped appraised value.
Using the seller’s tax bill as your future bill Seller exemptions and ceilings may not transfer to you.
Ignoring an ID-address mismatch Fix it or use an applicable statutory waiver.
Giving up after April 30 Late residence-homestead relief may remain available.
Assuming submission equals approval Always return to the property record and verify the exemption.
Sending ID through an unverified link Start from the official CAD website, not an unsolicited text or ad.

Texas Property Tax Value Decoder

Market Value The appraisal district’s estimate of ordinary market value.
Appraised Value Can reflect an applicable homestead limitation or another special appraisal rule.
Exempt Value Value removed from taxation by an applicable exemption.
Taxable Value Value remaining for a taxing unit after exemptions and applicable limitations.
Tax Rate Rate adopted by the local taxing unit.
Tax Ceiling Separate limitation for qualifying age-65-or-older or disabled homeowners.
Already-published County-CAD.us Texas guides

Use Your County Guide for the Actual Filing Portal

State law establishes the framework, but each appraisal district has its own search portal, online filing system, customer-service numbers and account-verification workflow.

Harris County / HCAD

Search Harris CAD records, verify homestead, understand the 20% county option, exemptions, protests, taxes and deed routing.

Harris County CAD Property Guide
Dallas County / DCAD

Dallas CAD search, exemption filing, GIS, current values, protest workflow and Tax Office routing.

Dallas County CAD Property Guide
Tarrant County / TAD

Fort Worth-area property search, exemption filing, appraisal limitation, protest workflow and tax records.

Tarrant County CAD Property Guide
Hopkins County CAD

Search Hopkins CAD, verify homestead, handle local homestead audits, protest values and search/pay taxes.

Hopkins County CAD Property Guide
Primary government research

Official Sources Used for This Texas Homestead Guide

Texas Property Tax Exemptions

Current statewide homestead amounts, eligibility, local options, heir property, senior/disabled and veteran rules.

Open Texas Exemption Guide
Texas Property Tax Forms

Current Form 50-114, Form 50-114-A and related exemption forms.

Open Property Tax Forms
Local Property Appraisal Directory

Official CAD and local tax-office contact information for all Texas counties.

Open County Directory
Texas Property Valuation Guidance

Official residence-homestead 10% appraised-value limitation explanation.

Open Valuation Guide
Texas Property Tax Protests

Appraisal Review Board rights and protest guidance.

Open Protest Guide
Texas Tax Code Chapter 11

Current statutory property-tax exemption provisions.

Open Texas Tax Code
100% Disabled Veteran FAQ

Total homestead exemption, surviving-spouse rules, mid-year eligibility and five-year late-filing guidance.

Open 100% Veteran FAQ
Texas Property Tax Law Deadlines

Statewide property-tax calendar and filing-deadline references.

Open Deadline Calendar
Reviewed August 22, 2026. The statewide rules on this page are current to this review. Local-option exemptions, online filing systems, processing times, tax rates and account-specific determinations still vary by appraisal district and taxing unit.
Independent-site notice

County-CAD.us Is Not a Texas Government Agency

County-CAD.us is an independent educational property-information website. It is not affiliated with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, any county appraisal district, Appraisal Review Board, tax assessor-collector, county clerk, school district, city or special taxing unit.

Do not send County-CAD.us your driver’s-license image, Social Security number, exemption application, tax payment, appraisal protest evidence or other private property documentation.

Use this guide to understand the process, then complete account-specific searches and transactions through the official government links above.

Property-tax laws and account facts can have legal and financial consequences. For legal advice concerning title, ownership, estates or statutory interpretation, consult an appropriate licensed professional.

County-CAD.us Editorial Resources

Sources & Methodology Read Sources & Methodology
Editorial Policy Read Editorial Policy
Report an Outdated Rule or Link Contact County-CAD.us
Website Disclaimer Read Disclaimer
10 practical Texas homestead questions

Texas Homestead Exemption FAQs

1. How much is the Texas homestead exemption in 2026?

Texas school districts must provide a $140,000 general residence-homestead exemption to qualifying homeowners. A qualifying owner who is age 65 or older or disabled receives an additional mandatory $60,000 school-district exemption. Cities, counties and other taxing units can have different local-option exemptions.

2. Where do I file a Texas homestead exemption?

File with the appraisal district in the county where the property is located. Do not file Form 50-114 with the Texas Comptroller. Use the Comptroller’s county directory to find the official appraisal district website and then use that district’s approved online, mail or in-person filing process.

3. What form is used for a Texas residence homestead exemption?

The statewide application is Form 50-114, Residence Homestead Exemption Application. The current form is revised 02-26. Some appraisal districts provide an approved electronic filing system instead. Form 50-114-A contains affidavits used for certain heir-property, ownership and manufactured-home situations.

4. Can I file for a Texas homestead exemption after April 30?

Yes, a late residence-homestead application may still be available. Texas Tax Code Section 11.431 generally allows a qualifying late residence-homestead application filed no later than two years after the delinquency date for the taxes on the homestead. Other exemption categories can have different late-filing periods.

5. Does Texas limit my homestead market value increase to 10%?

No. The 10% rule limits the qualifying appraised-value calculation, not the appraisal district’s market-value estimate. Market value can increase by more than 10% while the appraised value remains limited under the residence-homestead calculation.

6. Do I have to renew my Texas homestead exemption every year?

Generally no. An approved residence-homestead exemption normally continues without a new annual application. An appraisal district can require updated information or requalification when authorized by law, including when the chief appraiser has reason to believe the owner no longer qualifies.

7. Can I receive a homestead exemption if I buy the home after January 1?

A qualifying owner who acquires property after January 1 may receive the general residence-homestead exemption for the applicable portion of that tax year immediately upon qualification when the preceding owner did not receive the same exemption for that year. File with the local appraisal district rather than automatically waiting until the next January.

8. Can inherited Texas property qualify if my name is not yet on the deed?

Yes. Qualifying heir property can receive residence-homestead treatment. An heir-property applicant not named in a recorded ownership instrument may need an ownership affidavit, the prior owner’s death certificate, the property’s recent utility bill, available court-record information and affidavits from other qualifying occupying heirs.

9. What extra Texas homestead benefit is available after age 65?

A qualifying homeowner age 65 or older receives the $140,000 general school homestead exemption plus an additional mandatory $60,000 school exemption. The owner also qualifies for a school property-tax ceiling. Some cities, counties and other taxing units may provide additional local benefits.

10. How do I know whether my Texas homestead exemption was approved?

Return to the county appraisal district’s property search after processing. Open the correct account and tax year, then review its exemptions, jurisdictions and taxable values. Confirm the residence homestead appears for the appropriate taxing units. If it does not, contact the appraisal district and provide your filing confirmation.

Free County CAD Property Tax Assistant

Estimate Taxes, Exemptions, Escrow, Protest Savings and Next Steps

This sitewide tool helps homeowners, buyers, sellers and investors understand property tax numbers before they check the official county appraisal district or tax office. It runs in your browser, does not collect personal data and gives practical next steps after each calculation.

Start Free Tool
8-in-1Calculator, checklist and official-search helper in one widget.
No loginWorks instantly without collecting names, emails or property IDs.
Mobile-firstDesigned for phone users reading county CAD articles.
HelpfulGives next steps, not only numbers.

What are you trying to do today?

Choose your main goal. The tool will guide you to the right calculation or next step.

Best for homeowners

Use Tax, Exemption and Protest tabs to understand your appraisal notice and possible savings.

Best for buyers

Use Buyer Budget and Monthly Escrow before relying only on a mortgage payment estimate.

Property Tax Estimate Calculator

Estimate annual tax using property value, assessment ratio, exemptions and local tax rate.

Homestead and Exemption Savings

Estimate how much a homestead, senior, disabled, veteran or local exemption may reduce annual tax.

Monthly Escrow / Ownership Cost

Estimate monthly property tax, insurance, HOA and reserve cushion. Useful for buyers and homeowners comparing affordability.

Property Tax Protest Savings

Estimate possible savings if your appraised value is reduced after a protest, evidence review or correction.

Appraised Value Growth / Cap Impact

Estimate how a value increase or appraisal cap may affect taxable value. Rules vary by state, county and exemption status.

Home Buyer Monthly Budget Estimate

Estimate a more realistic monthly ownership cost by adding mortgage, property tax, insurance and HOA.

Find Official County CAD and Tax Resources

Enter county and state to create safe search links. This avoids guessing official URLs and helps users find the correct county appraisal district, property search, tax payment and exemption pages.

Why this tool helps your site

It gives visitors an interactive reason to stay on the page, calculate their own numbers and move from general reading to practical action.

Best placement

  • Below county CAD articles
  • Before FAQ section on long posts
  • Inside sidebar or after first major section on desktop

Estimate disclaimer

Values are educational estimates. Visitors should confirm final values, exemptions, tax rates, payment status and deadlines with official county resources.

Leave a Comment

County-CAD.us
Independent Platform

County-CAD.us provides verified access to official County Appraisal District (CAD) property records across the United States.

We offer step-by-step guides, manually verified links, and practical instructions to help users access official data quickly and accurately.

Quick Links

About Us

Contact Us

Editorial Policy

Legal

Privacy Policy

Disclaimer

Terms & Conditions

Disclaimer: County-CAD.us is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with any government agency, County Appraisal District, or public authority. We do not provide official services or manage government records. All information is provided for educational purposes only. Users must verify details through official government websites.

All trademarks, logos, and names belong to their respective owners.

© 2026 County-CAD.us — All Rights Reserved