Travis County Homestead Exemption: Rules & Savings

Informational notice: This guide explains Texas and Travis County homestead-tax rules for educational purposes. It is not tax or legal advice. Exemption eligibility is determined by the appropriate appraisal district, and local taxing entities can have different exemption amounts.

Travis County, Texas • 2026 Homeowner Guide

Travis County Homestead Exemption: 2026 Rules, Filing & Tax Savings

If you own and occupy your Travis County property as your primary residence, a homestead exemption can reduce the taxable value used to calculate your property taxes. Travis County currently offers a 20% local-option general homestead exemption, subject to the applicable minimum and local taxing-jurisdiction rules.

The benefit is not limited to one line on your tax bill. A qualifying Texas residence homestead can also receive the state’s 10% appraisal-value growth limitation after the property qualifies under the applicable rules.

Open TCAD Homestead Open TCAD Website

20% Travis County local-option general homestead exemption currently offered

$140,000 Texas school-district residence homestead exemption for 2026

10% Texas residence-homestead appraisal growth limitation, subject to statutory rules

Apr. 30 General Texas exemption application deadline for the current tax year

Important distinction: “Travis County homestead exemption” can mean the exemption adopted by Travis County itself, or the combined exemptions appearing on a Travis County property-tax bill. Your property may also be taxed by a school district, city, community college, health district, MUD or other entity. Those entities can adopt their own local-option exemptions.

What does a Travis County homestead exemption do?

A homestead exemption reduces the portion of your residence’s value that is subject to property taxation. The exact dollar savings depend on the taxing unit’s exemption, your property’s taxable value and the tax rate applied by that taxing unit.

Travis County 20%

Travis County currently offers a local-option general homestead exemption equal to 20% of appraised value, with the statutory/local minimum applying.

School district $140,000

Texas law provides a $140,000 residence homestead exemption from school district taxation for 2026.

Assessment protection 10%

Once the statutory residence-homestead value limitation applies, the appraised value generally cannot rise more than 10% per year, plus qualifying new improvements.

Think of the exemption as a reduction before the tax rate is applied

Appraised value → Exempt value removed → Taxable value → Tax rate applied

This is why a “20% exemption” does not mean your total property-tax bill automatically falls by exactly 20%. The exemption reduces taxable value; the final bill also reflects each taxing unit’s rate and any other applicable exemptions or limitations.

Why Travis County homeowners can have different homestead savings

Property owners in Austin, Pflugerville, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Manor, West Lake Hills and unincorporated parts of Travis County can have different combinations of taxing entities.

Travis County County property-tax exemption and county tax rate

School District State-mandated residence homestead exemption plus local benefits

City City-specific local-option exemption where adopted

MUD / District Special district taxes and any adopted exemptions

Practical takeaway: Do not estimate your entire Travis County bill using only the county’s 20% figure. Open the property’s tax record and identify every taxing entity first.

Travis County homestead exemption eligibility requirements

The basic Texas residence-homestead test requires an individual to have an ownership interest and use the property as the individual’s principal residence. Travis County’s guidance also identifies January 1 as the key occupancy date for a tax year.

You must own the property

You must have an ownership interest in the property.
The applicant must be an individual, rather than a corporation or other business entity.
Certain trust and inherited-property situations have additional documentation rules.
Ownership should be established before relying on the exemption.

You must live there

The property must be your principal residence.
A second home or vacation property does not qualify for the ordinary residence homestead exemption.
A rental property generally does not qualify as your residence homestead.
The January 1 residence requirement matters for the tax year.

Only one Texas homestead

You cannot claim a general homestead on two homes at the same time.
If you move, the old homestead should no longer be treated as your primary residence.
If you have another Texas homestead exemption, resolve that status before claiming the new one.

Property type

Houses can qualify.
Condominiums can qualify.
Mobile homes can qualify under applicable requirements.
Travis County guidance identifies residential use and acreage restrictions for the general exemption.

20-acre point: Travis County’s Tax Office describes the general homestead requirement as a home on land of 20 acres or less used for private residential purposes. Agricultural or commercial use can create different appraisal and exemption questions.

Can a house with acreage qualify for Travis County homestead?

Yes, acreage does not automatically disqualify a residence homestead. But the general Travis County guidance identifies a 20-acre limit for the standard residential homestead requirements and says the land must be for private residential use.

A property with agricultural use, commercial activity or other non-residential treatment may require a separate analysis. Do not assume every acre connected to a residence receives the same tax treatment.

For acreage properties, check these items

Confirm the residential homestead is active on the parcel.
Check the acreage listed in the TCAD property record.
Determine whether any portion has an agricultural or special appraisal.
Review the taxing entities attached to the parcel.
Contact TCAD before changing the property’s use if the tax treatment is unclear.

Check TCAD Exemption Rules

How much is the Travis County homestead exemption in 2026?

The most important number depends on which taxing entity you are discussing. Travis County currently offers a 20% general homestead exemption. Separately, Texas school districts provide a $140,000 residence homestead exemption for 2026.

Travis County exemption

20%

This is the county’s adopted local-option general residence homestead exemption.

School exemption

$140,000

This is the state-mandated residence homestead exemption applied by school districts under current Texas law.

City / district

Varies

Cities, community colleges and other taxing entities can have their own local-option amounts.

A simplified example

Suppose a home has an appraised value of $500,000. A 20% county exemption represents $100,000 of value for the county calculation, leaving a simplified county taxable-value starting point of $400,000 before considering other exemptions or adjustments.

$500,000 appraised value − $100,000 county exemption = $400,000 county taxable-value base

This is an illustration, not a prediction of your bill. Your school district calculation uses its own exemption rules, and the final property tax also depends on the rates adopted by the applicable taxing units.

Why the example matters: The same $500,000 house can have different total tax savings from another $500,000 house because the two parcels may sit in different cities, school districts, MUDs or other taxing jurisdictions.

Is the Travis County 20% homestead exemption the same as the Texas $140,000 exemption?

No. They are different exemptions adopted or required at different governmental levels.

Travis County 20%

This is a local-option general homestead exemption adopted by Travis County. It affects the county’s taxable value.

Texas school $140,000

Texas Tax Code Section 11.13 provides the school-district residence homestead exemption. The 2026 amount is $140,000.

Your tax bill can therefore show separate taxable-value calculations for different taxing units rather than one universal taxable value.

Review Texas Comptroller Exemptions

How to apply for a Travis County homestead exemption

The Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD), not the Travis County Tax Office, processes homestead exemptions. TCAD accepts exemption applications online, by mail or at its office.

1 Confirm eligibility Make sure the property is your principal residence.

2 Prepare ID Your Texas driver’s license or DPS ID must show the property address.

3 Open TCAD Use the official homestead or forms portal.

4 Submit Complete the residence homestead application and supporting information.

5 Verify Check your TCAD property record after processing.

What to do after opening the official TCAD page

Open Homestead Exemptions.
Select the online application option or use the forms database for a paper application.
Locate your property and follow the application prompts.
Enter the owner information exactly as requested.
Upload or provide the required identification/documentation.
Submit the application.
Save the confirmation and check the application status later.

Open Official TCAD Homestead Page

What documents do you need for a Travis County homestead exemption?

TCAD states that the Texas driver’s license or DPS identification card displaying the property address is the acceptable identification used for homestead verification. Its current verification page likewise requires a valid Texas driver’s license or ID with an address matching the property.

Standard application

Completed residence homestead application.
Valid Texas driver’s license or DPS ID.
ID address matching the homestead address.
Property ownership information.

Trust-owned property

Additional trust documentation may be required.
TCAD may need the applicable trust document.
Do not submit unnecessary confidential documents to unofficial websites.

Inherited / heir property

Texas has specific heir-property rules.
An affidavit may be required to establish ownership.
Death certificate and utility records can be part of the documentation in applicable cases.

Verification request

Use the verification form if TCAD sends you a notice.
Provide a current Texas driver’s license or ID.
The address must match the exempted property.
Follow the deadline printed on the TCAD notice.

Address mismatch? Do not ignore it. TCAD specifically says the Texas driver’s license or ID used for verification must display an address matching the property.

Open TCAD Forms Library

When is the Travis County homestead exemption deadline?

Texas Comptroller guidance identifies May 1 as the general statutory deadline for exemption applications. However, Travis County’s current homeowner guidance gives a practical current-year application window of January 1 through April 30.

January 1 Texas property values are established for the tax year, and the principal-residence test is tied to this date.

January–April Submit the current homestead exemption application to TCAD.

April 30 Travis County’s current application guidance identifies this as the practical end of the regular application window.

May 1 The Texas Comptroller identifies May 1 as the general exemption-application deadline under state guidance.

After the deadline Late filing may still be possible under Texas rules. Contact TCAD rather than assuming the benefit is permanently lost.

Do not wait until the deadline: TCAD says applications are acted upon within 90 days from receipt. Filing early gives you time to resolve missing documents or eligibility questions.

Check Current TCAD Filing Instructions

Can you file a Travis County homestead exemption late?

Texas law allows certain late exemption applications. Travis County’s current guidance also directs homeowners who need help with an application to contact TCAD’s exemption staff.

If you simply forgot

Contact TCAD and ask about the current late-application rules for your tax year. Do not assume a missed deadline automatically eliminates every possible remedy.

If you bought the home recently

TCAD says a new homeowner may submit the application after purchasing and occupying the home. The exemption applies to the year in which the homeowner qualifies under the applicable rules.

Best late-filing workflow

Confirm when you acquired the property.
Confirm when you began occupying it as your principal residence.
Check whether a prior owner had a homestead exemption.
Contact TCAD Exemption staff.
Submit the correct current-year form and required identification.

Contact TCAD Exemption Services

What is the 10% homestead appraisal cap in Travis County?

Texas residence homestead law provides a separate assessment protection that is often confused with the exemption itself. Once a property qualifies for the residence-homestead limitation under the applicable rules, its appraised value generally cannot increase by more than 10% per year, excluding qualifying new improvements and subject to the statutory formula.

Exemption vs. 10% appraisal limitation

Homestead exemption = Reduces taxable value

10% homestead cap = Limits qualifying annual appraised-value growth

They solve different problems. The exemption lowers taxable value; the cap restricts how quickly the appraised value can increase from year to year after the property qualifies.

Example: why the cap can matter over several years

Suppose a qualifying homestead has a capped appraised value of $400,000 and the market value later jumps significantly. The homestead cap can restrict the taxable appraisal increase to the statutory amount rather than allowing the entire market-value increase to flow immediately into the capped appraised value.

However, the limitation can change when ownership changes, when a property first qualifies, or when qualifying new improvements are added.

Read Texas Appraisal Cap Rules

What happens to the 10% cap when you remodel or add a new improvement?

The 10% limitation does not mean every dollar of a major new improvement is automatically shielded by the prior year’s cap. Texas Comptroller guidance specifically recognizes qualifying new improvements as part of the statutory calculation.

Examples of possible new improvements

New construction added to the residence.
An additional room or major structural addition.
Other qualifying improvements that increase market value.

What to check

Compare the prior year’s appraised value.
Review the new improvement value shown by TCAD.
Check the capped value separately from market value.
Contact TCAD if the calculation appears inconsistent with the statutory formula.

Travis County homestead exemptions for homeowners age 65 or older

Homeowners who are 65 or older can qualify for additional residence-homestead benefits under Texas law. Travis County and other local taxing entities can also adopt their own local-option exemptions for qualifying seniors.

State school benefit

$60,000

Texas law provides an additional $60,000 school-district residence homestead exemption for qualifying homeowners age 65 or older or disabled.

Local benefits

Varies

Counties, cities and other taxing units can adopt additional local-option exemptions.

Tax ceiling

Possible

Qualifying over-65 and disabled homeowners may receive a school-tax ceiling under Texas law, subject to the statutory requirements.

Do not confuse exemption amount with tax ceiling: An exemption removes value from taxation. A tax ceiling can restrict the amount of school taxes that may increase after qualification, subject to the law.

Review 65+ & Disability Rules

Disabled veteran and surviving-spouse exemptions in Travis County

Texas provides additional property-tax benefits for qualifying disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses. These programs are separate from the ordinary general homestead exemption.

Disabled veterans

The amount depends on the qualifying disability rating and the applicable Texas rules. A veteran’s exemption can be substantially different from a standard homestead exemption.

100% disabled veterans

A qualifying 100% disabled veteran or veteran qualifying through individual unemployability may be eligible for a full residence-homestead exemption under Texas law.

Surviving spouses

Certain surviving spouses can continue or receive qualifying benefits when statutory conditions are satisfied.

Documentation

Veterans’ exemptions commonly require documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or other proof specified by the appraisal district.

See Texas Veteran Exemption Rules

Just bought a home in Travis County? When should you apply?

TCAD says that if you recently purchased a home, you may submit the homestead application once you own and occupy the property. The exemption is associated with the year in which you qualify under the applicable rules.

1 Close on the home Keep your closing and ownership records.

2 Move in Use the property as your primary residence.

3 Update Texas ID Make sure the address matches the residence.

4 Apply at TCAD Submit the current homestead application.

5 Check the record Verify the exemption after TCAD processes it.

New-owner tip: A previous owner’s homestead exemption does not mean you have automatically filed yours. Check your own TCAD record and submit your own application.

Does a homestead exemption transfer when you move from Austin to another home?

No. A homestead exemption is tied to the qualifying residence. When you move to another primary residence, you need to establish homestead on the new property under the applicable rules.

The Texas residence-homestead appraisal limitation also does not simply become a permanent percentage discount on the new home’s market value. Texas has separate rules for homestead caps, ownership changes and appraisal values.

Moving-house checklist

Confirm the old property is no longer your principal residence.
Check TCAD’s record for the old property.
Update your Texas driver’s license or ID.
Apply for homestead on the new property.
Check the new TCAD record after processing.

How to check your Travis County homestead exemption status

TCAD maintains the exemption record. Its current FAQ says homeowners can generally check homestead status on the TCAD website and that portal applicants receive an email notification upon processing.

1 Open TCAD Go to the official appraisal district website.

2 Search property Find the parcel using the available property-search tools.

3 Open account Review the property’s exemption information.

4 Check homestead Look for the residence-homestead exemption.

5 Resolve issues Contact TCAD if the exemption is missing or incorrect.

If your homestead is missing

Confirm you searched the correct parcel.
Check whether your application was actually submitted.
Review your email or portal confirmation.
Confirm your Texas ID address matches the property.
Contact TCAD’s Exemption Helpline at (512) 873-1560.

Check TCAD Homestead Services

Why is TCAD asking me to verify my homestead exemption?

Texas law requires appraisal districts to audit exemption records. TCAD says it audits its exemption records every five years and may ask homeowners to reapply or verify eligibility when it cannot confirm that the exemption should remain.

If you receive a verification notice

Read the deadline printed on the notice.
Use TCAD’s official verification process.
Provide a valid Texas driver’s license or ID.
Make sure the address matches the property.

If you ignore the notice

TCAD states that failure to submit the requested verification can result in the exemptions being removed, which can increase the property’s tax liability.

Open TCAD Verification Portal

How to read your Travis County property-tax bill after homestead

A homestead exemption can appear differently across the taxing units listed on your tax statement. Instead of looking only at the total amount due, compare the property’s appraised, assessed and taxable values where shown.

Market / Appraised Value Value determined by the appraisal process.

Assessed Value Value after applicable appraisal limitations.

Taxable Value Value after exemptions and applicable adjustments.

Tax Rate Rate adopted by the applicable taxing unit.

The practical sequence

Appraisal → Assessment limits → Exemptions → Taxable value → Tax rate

If the bill is higher than expected even though the homestead exemption is active, inspect the taxable value and the tax rates of the individual taxing units. The exemption does not freeze tax rates.

Travis County property tax calendar: dates homeowners should watch

January 1 Property values are established for the tax year, and the residence requirement is evaluated under the applicable homestead rules.

Mid-April TCAD’s homeowner toolkit says Notices of Appraised Value are sent around this period.

May 15 TCAD’s property-owner toolkit identifies May 15 as the typical protest deadline when applicable.

July 25 TCAD identifies this as the appraisal-roll certification date in its homeowner calendar.

August / September Taxing entities determine budgets and tax rates.

October Travis County Tax Office begins mailing property-tax bills.

January 31 Property taxes are generally due for the preceding tax year.

Value protest is separate from homestead: If you believe your appraised value is too high, filing or maintaining a homestead exemption does not replace the property-value protest process.

Open TCAD Protest Information

Travis County homestead exemption vs. property-value protest

Homestead exemption

Tax relief

Reduces taxable value when you qualify for the applicable residence-homestead benefit.

Value protest

Value dispute

Challenges the appraisal district’s determination of your property’s value.

Can you do both?

Yes

An owner can maintain qualifying exemptions while separately protesting an appraisal value when the owner has grounds to do so.

If your Notice of Appraised Value shows a market value you believe is incorrect, review the protest deadline rather than waiting for the tax bill.

Travis County local tax savings: what changes by ZIP code?

A ZIP code alone does not determine your complete property-tax calculation. The important local factor is the set of taxing entities attached to your parcel.

Austin addresses

A property within the City of Austin can have city taxes in addition to county, school and other district taxes.

Unincorporated Travis County

Properties outside a municipality can have a different combination of taxing entities from nearby incorporated property.

School district boundaries

School district boundaries can change the tax calculation even between nearby neighborhoods.

MUD and special districts

Municipal utility districts and other special taxing districts can add separate property-tax rates and exemptions.

Local savings tip: For a property-specific estimate, use the official tax-transparency/property-record tools instead of multiplying your home’s value by one countywide rate.

Open Travis County Tax Transparency

What if the home is held in a trust?

A trust does not automatically prevent a residence homestead exemption, but the ownership structure can require additional documentation. TCAD’s current homeowner materials identify trust documents as potentially required supporting documentation.

Trust-property checklist

Confirm who has the ownership interest.
Confirm the property is occupied as the principal residence.
Have the relevant trust document available.
Use the current TCAD application instructions.
Contact TCAD if the trust structure is unusual or the application asks for information you cannot determine from your records.

Open TCAD Forms

What if your Travis County home is inherited?

Texas has specific residence-homestead rules for heir property. The Texas Comptroller explains that an heir-property owner who is not specifically identified as the residence-homestead owner on a deed or recorded instrument may need additional documentation.

Potential documentation

Affidavit establishing ownership interest.
Prior owner’s death certificate.
Most recent utility bill.
Relevant court record, if available.

Occupying heir

An heir who occupies the property as a principal residence may qualify under the applicable residence-homestead rules even when ownership is not structured like an ordinary deeded purchase.

Review Texas Heir-Property Rules

Travis County homestead exemption contact information

Appraisal district

Travis Central Appraisal District

Physical address
850 East Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78752

Mailing address
P.O. Box 149012
Austin, TX 78714-9012

Main phone:
(512) 834-9317

Exemption Helpline:
(512) 873-1560

Business hours:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 7:45 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m.

Which office should you call?

Homestead application: Travis Central Appraisal District.
Exemption verification: Travis Central Appraisal District.
Property value protest: Travis Central Appraisal District / Appraisal Review Board process.
Tax bill collection/payment: Travis County Tax Office.
Tax rates: individual taxing entities.

Open TCAD Contact Page

Travis County homestead exemption checklist

I own the property or have a qualifying ownership interest.
The home is my principal residence.
I meet the applicable January 1 requirement.
I am not claiming another Texas residence homestead.
My Texas driver’s license or DPS ID shows the homestead address.
I have submitted the current TCAD homestead application.
I saved my submission confirmation.
I checked the TCAD property record after processing.
I know which taxing entities appear on my property-tax bill.
I separately checked whether I qualify for age-65, disability, veteran or surviving-spouse benefits.
If TCAD sent a verification notice, I submitted the verification before its stated deadline.
If my appraised value is wrong, I reviewed the separate protest process.

Travis County homestead exemption: the practical bottom line

For a qualifying Travis County homeowner, the general homestead exemption can provide a meaningful reduction in taxable value. Travis County currently offers a 20% general local-option exemption, while Texas school districts provide a $140,000 residence homestead exemption for 2026.

The other major benefit is the Texas residence-homestead appraisal limitation. Once the property qualifies under the statutory rules, the appraised value generally cannot increase by more than 10% per year, with the statutory treatment of new improvements and other exceptions taken into account.

The smartest way to determine your actual savings is not to use a generic percentage. Search the property, identify the taxing entities, check the exemption status and compare taxable values with the applicable tax rates.

Best next step for a Travis County homeowner

Open TCAD’s official homestead page.
Apply if your exemption is not already active.
Check the property record after processing.
Review your taxing entities and taxable values.
Check for additional senior, disability, veteran or surviving-spouse benefits if applicable.

Start With Official TCAD Homestead Information

Travis County Homestead Exemption FAQs

1. How much is the Travis County homestead exemption in 2026?

Travis County currently offers a 20% local-option general homestead exemption. Separately, Texas law provides a $140,000 residence homestead exemption from school district taxation for 2026. Other taxing entities can have different local-option exemptions.

2. Who qualifies for a Travis County homestead exemption?

Generally, an individual must have an ownership interest in the property and use it as the individual’s principal residence. The January 1 requirement and other Texas residence-homestead rules apply.

3. Where do I apply for the Travis County homestead exemption?

Apply through the Travis Central Appraisal District. TCAD accepts homestead applications online, by mail and at its office at 850 East Anderson Lane in Austin.

4. What documents do I need for a Travis County homestead exemption?

TCAD requires the current homestead application and identification information. Its current guidance identifies a Texas driver’s license or DPS ID displaying the property address as the required identification for the exemption process and verification. Trust, heir-property and special exemptions can require additional documents.

5. Does my Texas driver’s license address have to match my Travis County home?

Yes. TCAD specifically states that the Texas driver’s license or ID used for homestead verification must display an address matching the property.

6. What is the deadline for the Travis County homestead exemption?

Travis County’s current homeowner guidance gives January 1 through April 30 as the practical current-year application period, while the Texas Comptroller identifies May 1 as the general statutory exemption-application deadline. Late applications can be possible under Texas law.

7. Is the Travis County homestead exemption the same as the $140,000 Texas homestead exemption?

No. The 20% Travis County exemption is a local-option county benefit. The $140,000 exemption is the state-mandated residence homestead exemption applied by Texas school districts for 2026.

8. What is the 10% homestead cap in Travis County?

The Texas residence-homestead appraisal limitation generally restricts qualifying annual appraised-value increases to no more than 10%, subject to the statutory formula, including treatment of qualifying new improvements. It is separate from the homestead exemption itself.

9. Do I have to apply for the Travis County homestead exemption every year?

Generally, no. TCAD says you do not have to reapply unless the Chief Appraiser requests a new application in writing, you move to a new residence or your qualifications change. TCAD also audits exemption records every five years and may require verification.

10. What happens if TCAD asks me to verify my homestead exemption?

Complete the verification process before the deadline shown on the TCAD notice. TCAD requires a valid Texas driver’s license or ID with an address matching the property. If you do not submit the requested verification, TCAD says your exemptions can be removed.

11. Can seniors age 65 or older receive additional Travis County homestead benefits?

Yes, qualifying homeowners age 65 or older can receive additional residence-homestead benefits under Texas law. Travis County and other taxing entities can also adopt local-option senior exemptions, so the exact benefit depends on the applicable taxing units.

12. Can a disabled veteran get a larger exemption in Travis County?

Potentially. Texas provides separate property-tax exemptions for qualifying disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses. The amount depends on the applicable disability rating and statutory eligibility requirements.

13. Can I get a Travis County homestead exemption on a condominium?

Yes. A condominium can qualify as a residence homestead when the owner meets the ownership, principal-residence and other applicable requirements.

14. Can a mobile home qualify for a Travis County homestead exemption?

Yes, mobile homes can qualify under applicable Texas residence-homestead rules. Ownership of the home and the land arrangement can affect the documentation and eligibility analysis.

15. Can I claim a homestead exemption on two homes in Travis County?

No. The ordinary residence homestead exemption is for your principal residence. TCAD states that an owner cannot receive a homestead exemption on two properties.

16. Does a previous owner’s homestead exemption transfer to me after I buy the house?

No. A buyer must establish their own eligibility and apply for the exemption. Do not assume that a previous owner’s homestead status means your exemption has already been filed.

17. How can I check whether my Travis County homestead exemption is active?

Search the property through TCAD’s official property records and review the exemption information. TCAD also says portal applicants receive an email notification after processing and that homestead status is displayed on its website.

18. Who do I call about a missing Travis County homestead exemption?

Contact the Travis Central Appraisal District. TCAD’s current Exemption Helpline is (512) 873-1560. Its main phone number is (512) 834-9317.

19. Does the homestead exemption lower my entire Travis County property-tax bill by 20%?

No. The 20% figure is the county’s local-option exemption applied to taxable value for the county tax calculation. Your total bill also includes other taxing units with their own rates and exemptions.

20. Can I protest my property value and keep my homestead exemption?

Yes. A property-value protest is a separate process from claiming a residence homestead exemption. A homeowner can maintain qualifying exemptions while protesting an appraisal value when the homeowner has grounds for the protest.

Official Travis County & Texas sources

These are the government sources used to verify the filing process, exemption rules, contact information, appraisal limitation and local tax details discussed in this guide.

Source note: Local exemption percentages and amounts can change when taxing entities adopt or amend their tax policies. For a property-specific 2026 calculation, use the current TCAD record and the taxing entities attached to that parcel.