Texas Homestead Exemptions: How to Apply
What is a Texas homestead exemption?
A residence homestead exemption removes part of a qualifying home's value from taxation, which can reduce property taxes. Texas also provides additional exemptions for qualifying homeowners such as people age 65 or older, people with disabilities, disabled veterans, and certain surviving spouses.
Basic qualification points
Own and occupy the home
The property must be your principal residence and you must have an ownership interest. A prorated exemption may be available in the purchase year when the prior owner did not receive the same exemption for that year.
One principal residence
A homeowner cannot claim the general residence homestead exemption on another residence at the same time.
Individual ownership
General rules are written for individual homeowners. Certain qualifying trusts or heir-property situations have additional rules; check the appraisal district.
Identification
Appraisal districts commonly require a Texas driver's license or Texas ID with an address matching the homestead property, subject to statutory exceptions.
How to apply
- Use the Texas Application for Residence Homestead Exemption, Form 50-114, or the local appraisal district's online filing process.
- Provide the required Texas driver's license/ID and other supporting documents requested by the appraisal district.
- File directly with the appraisal district. Filing for the general residence homestead exemption is free.
- Keep the approval/confirmation with your property records.
Following the 2025 constitutional changes, the statewide school-district general residence homestead exemption is $140,000. Additional local exemptions vary by taxing unit. Always verify current amounts with the appraisal district or Texas Comptroller.
Quick links to major Texas appraisal districts
Use the county appraisal district for the county where the property is located.
Appraisal districtFort Bend County
Appraisal districtMontgomery County
Appraisal districtBrazoria County
Appraisal districtGalveston County
Appraisal districtDallas County
Appraisal districtTarrant County
Appraisal districtCollin County
Appraisal districtDenton County
Appraisal districtBexar County
Appraisal districtTravis County
Appraisal districtWilliamson County
Appraisal districtCameron County
Appraisal districtHidalgo County
Appraisal districtNueces County
Appraisal districtEl Paso County
Appraisal district
Texas Form 50-114 - Residence Homestead Exemption Application
Texas Comptroller - Property Tax Exemptions
Need further assistance?
For transaction-specific questions, contact your broker or Broker Rochelle Fitzgerald at Fitz & Co. Real Estate.
For educational purposes only. Agents should verify current forms and consult with their broker when needed.