Understanding the Homestead Exemption: Do you Qualify!
Updated: Feb 28
Homestead exemptions are an important way for homeowners to save money on their taxes, removing part of their home’s value from taxation. Homeowners who own and occupy their property may be eligible to receive a homestead exemption, and other exemptions may also be available, such as those granted to disabled veterans, individuals over 65 years of age, and disabled individuals.
In order to apply for an exemption, a copy of the homeowner's driver’s license will need to be submitted with an address that matches the property address they wish to register for exemption. Previously, new homeowners had to wait until the following year to file for the exemption; however, a new law effective January 1st 2022 provides property-tax relief by allowing new homebuyers to file for homestead exemptions in the year when they purchase the property, provided it is their primary residence.
Check directly with your appraisal office for all the particulars, but here are two main steps:
Verify that the property's ownership change is reflected on the tax rolls by contacting your county appraisal-district office or using the property-search feature available on all appraisal-district office websites; and download the Application for Residential Homestead Exemption form from your appraisal district’s website. Complete it then follow the mailing instructions specific to your county.
Contact your county’s appraisal district to see if you are able to file online. Filing for an exemption is free and forms can usually be found on each county's Central Appraisal District website.
For greater ease in acquiring information about a prospective home purchase and any applicable homestead exemptions that may come with it, working with a real estate agent like MOXY Real Estate+Design can provide invaluable assistance in making sure that you get all of the information you need about your next home purchase in exactly the place you want it!
Collin County Central Appraisal District collincad.org | 469.742.9200
Johnson County Central Appraisal District johnsoncad.com | 817.648.3000
Dallas County Central Appraisal District dallascad.org | 214.631.0520
Kaufman County Central Appraisal District kaufman-cad.org | 972.932.6081
Denton County Central Appraisal District dentoncad.org | 940.349.3800
Parker County Central Appraisal District parkercad.org | 817.596.0077
Ellis County Central Appraisal District elliscad.org | 972.937.3552
Rockwall County Central Appraisal District rockwallcad.com | 972.771.2034
Grayson County Central Appraisal District graysonappraisal.org | 903.893.9673
Tarrant County Central Appraisal District tad.org | 817.284.0024
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