Homestead Exemptions

Homestead exemptions remove part of your home's value from taxation which, depending on the value of your home, could potentially save you thousands each year. If you want to receive a Homestead Exemption for the taxes on your home, your home must first qualify as a residence homestead on January 1 of the year in which you are applying.

What is a Homestead Exemption?

"A homestead exemption helps you save money on your home tax. An exemption removes part of the value of your property from taxation and lowers your taxes. For example, if your home is valued at $100,000 and you qualify for a $20,000 exemption, you pay taxes on your home as if it was worth only $80,000."

You must first qualify as a residence homestead on January 1^st of the year in which you are applying

Deadline: January 1^st – April 30^th

Requirements

You must own a home as well as occupy your home as your primary residence on January 1^st of the year of which you are requesting an exemption.

Required Documents

First: Fill out the application specific to your county appraisal district, then mail all of the documents to the appraisal district for your county.

Download Residential Homestead Exemption Application for your county

Include a copy of your driver’s license or ID card.  Address on your ID must match the property address for the exemption application.

Your Homestead Exemption will be denied unless all of the required documents show the same homestead address. First, fill out the application specific to your County Appraisal District, then mail all of the documents to the appraisal district for your county.

What Homestead Exemptions are available?

• School taxes: All residence homestead owners may receive a Homestead Exemption from their home's value for school taxes.
• County taxes: If a county collects a special tax for farm-to-market roads or flood control, a residence homestead owner may receive an exemption for this tax. If the county grants an optional exemption for homeowners age 65 or older or disabled, the owners will receive only the local-option exemption.
• Age 65 or older and disabled exemptions: Individuals 65 and older and/or disabled residence homestead owners may qualify for a Homestead Exemption for school taxes, in addition to the exemption for all homeowners. If the owner qualifies for both the exemption for 65 and older homeowners and the exemption for disabled homeowners, the owner must choose one or the other for school taxes. The owner cannot receive both exemptions. Click here to to read about exemptions, limitations and special instructions for homeowners age 65 and over and homeowners with disabilities.
• Optional percentage exemptions: Any taxing unit including a city, county, school, or special district may offer an exemption of a percentage of a home's value. Each taxing unit decides if it will offer the exemption and at what percentage. This percentage exemption is added to any other home exemption for which an owner qualifies. The taxing unit must decide before July 1 of the tax year to offer this exemption.
• Optional 65 or older or disabled exemptions: Any taxing unit may offer an additional exemption amount for taxpayers age 65 or older and/or disabled.
• Disabled veteran homeowners: Click here for more information about exemptions, limitations and special instructions for disabled veteran homeowners.

Quick Links for Homestead Exemption Forms

Harris County

You can now electronically file your residential homestead exemption online utilizing the HCAD Mobile App.   To submit the homestead application utilizing the mobile app, you will need 4 items.

1. The date of occupancy on your residence. 
2. Your TX drivers license
3. An iPhone or Android phone 
4. The HCAD Info and Exemptions app (found in the App Store or Google Play)  

To submit via mail, please use the links below.

Harris County Homestead Exemption Form

Harris County Homestead Exemption Information

Mailing Address: Harris County Appraisal District, PO BOX 922012, Houston, TX 77292-2012 | Phone: 713-957-7800

Fort Bend County

Fort Bend County Homestead Exemption Form

Fort Bend County Homestead Exemption Information

Mailing Address: 2801 B.F. Terry Blvd, Rosenberg, TX 77471 | Phone: 281-341-3710

Brazoria County

Brazoria County Homestead Exemption Form

Brazoria County Homestead Exemption Information

Mailing Address: 500 N. Chenango St, Angleton, TX 77515-4650 | Phone: 888-723-2223

Homestead Exemption Frequently Asked Questions

What is Homestead Exemption?

A homestead can be a separate structure, condominium or a manufactured home located on owned or leased land, as long as the individual living in the home owns it. A homestead can include up to 20 acres, if the land is owned by the homeowner and used as a yard or for another purpose related to the residential use of the homestead.

Do all homes qualify for Homestead Exemptions?

No, only a homeowner's principal residence qualifies. To qualify, a home must meet the definition of a residence homestead: The home's owner must be an individual (not a corporation or other business entity) and use the home as his or her principal residence on January 1 of the tax year. If you are age 65 or older, the January 1 ownership and residency are not required for the age 65 Homestead Exemption.

Do I, as a homeowner, get a tax break from property taxes?

You may apply for Homestead Exemptions on your principal residence. Homestead exemptions remove part of your home's value from taxation, so they lower your taxes. For example, if your home is appraised at $100,000, and you qualify for a $25,000 exemption (this is the amount mandated for school districts), you will pay school taxes on the home as if it was worth only $75,000. Taxing units have the option to offer a separate exemption, too. Click here to read about how to know if you qualify for Homestead Exemptions and what kind of exemptions are available to all homeowners.