Homestead exemption
Exemptions are one of your 12 rights as a taxpayer. For your principle residence, you have homestead exemptions available:
- General residence exemption: $15,000 off your property value for school taxes
- $3,000 exemption if your county collects a special tax for farm-to-market roads or flood control.
- Age 65 or older: $10,000 exemption
- Disabled: $10,000
- Optional percentage exemption: a taxing unit may offer an exemption of up to 20% of home’s value, not less than $5,000
- Optional 65 or older/disabled exemptions: a taxing unit may offer an additional $3,000 exemption to the $10,000 exemption.
- Other exemptions
How do I get the $15,000 general residence exemption?
File an Application for Residential Homestead Exemption up to one year after your taxes are due.
Do I reapply each year for the $15,000 general residence exemption?
Nope. Just once, unless the chief appraiser sends you a new application.
What if I move?
If you move or are no longer qualified to receive the general exemption, inform the appraisal district in writing before the next May 1.
What are the “other exemptions” available?
That depends on your appraisal district. Dallas County, for example, offers exemptions for charitable organizations, religions, pollution control properties, goods exported from Texas, and certain motor vehicles. To find out your district’s exemptions, search online for “[Your County] property tax exemptions.”
100% disabled veteran’s exemption
- Served in the armed forces of the US
- Classified as disabled by the US Department of Veterans Affairs
- Received 100% disability compensation from the VA
- Received either 100% disability rating or classified unemployable by the VA
- Own and live in your home.
How do I get this exemption?
Apply for the exemption with the appraisal district using this Application for Residential Homestead Exemption. Be sure to check the “100% Disabled Veterans Exemption” box on the second page.
What if I own the house with my spouse?
You are eligible for 100% exemption of your ownership interest. If you own the house equally with your spouse, that amounts to a 50% exemption.
What if I’m a partially disabled veteran?
You get a partial exemption. Check this document from the state for the exact dollar amount.
I could read a tax book about this without finding such real-world approaches!
I ended up coming back here to find more resources while trying to dispute my taxes. Thank you for sharing this info