Property tax exemptions in Texas

1. Homestead exemption (the big one)

If you own and live in your home on January 1, you're entitled to the general residence homestead exemption. It removes a fixed amount from your taxable value, but its bigger power is the 10% cap: your taxable value can't rise more than 10% in a year while the exemption is active — even if market values jump further. That cap compounds into thousands of dollars over the years.

• Who qualifies: owner-occupied primary residence as of Jan 1. You can't claim it on a rental or second home.
• One-time filing: file once with your county appraisal district; it renews automatically every year.
• Cost: free. It takes about 10 minutes online or by mail.

If our property pages tell you "No exemptions on file," file this one first — before any protest.

2. Over-65 exemption

Homeowners 65 or older get an additional exemption, a school tax freeze (your school-district taxes can't increase due to value rises), and in many districts a tax deferral option. Most counties apply it automatically when you qualify for homestead; file the over-65 affidavit with your appraisal district in the year you turn 65.

3. Disability and veteran exemptions

• Disability exemption: for homeowners with a qualifying disability — an additional exemption on top of homestead.
• 100% disabled veterans: full residence homestead exemption (no value). Other disabled veterans may qualify for partial exemptions based on VA rating.
• Surviving spouses of disabled veterans or first responders may continue the exemption.

How to file

1. Find your county below and open its online services page.
2. Complete the homestead exemption application (your county's portal or Comptroller Form 50-114).
3. Include a copy of your driver's license or state ID showing the property address.
4. File by April 30 for the current tax year (most districts accept late filings for up to two years back).

Exemptions vs. protests

They stack. An exemption lowers your taxable value going forward every year; a protest corrects an over-assessment for one year. Do both: file your homestead exemption once, then protest whenever your appraised value looks high. Run your address now to see your current appraised value and exemption status.