Texas Homestead Exemption: A Complete Guide for Homeowners in 2025
If you own a home in Texas, one of the easiest and most impactful ways to lower your property tax bill is by applying for the Texas Homestead Exemption. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or recently moved into a new primary residence, this exemption can save you hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars every year. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Texas Homestead Exemption?
The Homestead Exemption is a property tax benefit that reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. Lower taxable value = lower property taxes.
This exemption applies only to your principal residence—not investment homes, vacation homes, or rentals.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Homestead Exemption in Texas, you must:
Own the home.
Occupy the home as your primary residence on January 1.
Have a Texas driver’s license or ID matching the property address.
Additional exemptions may apply if you are:
Age 65 or older
A homeowner with a disability
A disabled veteran
A surviving spouse of a first responder or disabled veteran
These extra exemptions provide even greater tax savings.
Why the Homestead Exemption Matters
Texas does not have a state income tax—so property taxes help fund schools, roads, and local services. This also means property taxes here tend to be high. That’s why the Homestead Exemption is so valuable.
Benefits include:
Lower annual property taxes
A cap that limits how much your home’s taxable value can increase each year
Additional reductions for seniors, disabled homeowners, and veterans
Over time, these savings add up significantly, especially in fast-growing markets like Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.
How to Apply for the Texas Homestead Exemption
Applying is simple—and always free. You never need to pay anyone to file this for you.
Steps to Apply
Visit your county appraisal district website.
Look for the “Residence Homestead Exemption Application” (Form 50-114).
Submit online or download and email/mail the form.
Attach a copy of your Texas driver’s license or ID showing the same address as the home.
Deadlines
Regular deadline: April 30
Late filing allowed:
Up to 2 years after the deadline for most exemptions
Up to 5 years for 100% disabled veteran exemptions or donated homestead veteran exemption
In case homeowners learn years later that they qualify, they can still file. Once approved, your exemption stays in place automatically as long as the home remains your primary residence.
Common Misconceptions
You do NOT need to reapply every year. Only reapply if you move or your ownership changes.
It does NOT reduce your home’s market value. It only lowers the taxable value used by the county—not its resale value.
You can only claim one Homestead Exemption. Texas law allows one exemption per person or married couple.
The Texas Homestead Exemption is one of the most important tools for reducing your property taxes and protecting your home’s affordability. If you purchased a home recently or aren’t sure whether you currently have the exemption, now is a great time to check.
