How to File for Homestead Exemption in Texas: Requirements, Form & Deadline
A Texas homestead exemption can reduce the taxable value of a qualifying home, lowering the property taxes owed to local taxing units.
It can also limit annual increases in the home’s appraised value to 10%, subject to certain adjustments for new improvements.
How Much Will Your TRS Retirement Benefit Be?
Who Qualifies for a Texas Homestead Exemption?
Texas law restricts the homestead exemption to your primary residence on January 1 of the tax year.
To qualify: you must be an
- Individual owner and not a corporation
- Occupy the property as your principal home, and not claim a homestead exemption elsewhere.
| Who? | Main Qualification | Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Most homeowners | Own and occupy the home as your principal residence | $140,000 school-tax exemption |
| Age 65+ | Qualify for homestead and are 65 or older | +$60,000 school-tax exemption |
| Disabled homeowner | Meet Social Security disability requirements | +$60,000 school-tax exemption |
| 100% disabled veteran | VA 100% disability rating or qualifying individual unemployability | 100% of homestead value |
| Other disabled veteran | Qualifying VA service-connected disability | $5,000–$12,000, depending on rating |
| Qualifying surviving spouse | Certain military, veteran, or first-responder deaths | Up to 100% of homestead value |
| Heir-property owner | Inherited the home and occupy it as your principal residence | May qualify for homestead |
| Manufactured/mobile home owner | Own the home and occupy it as your principal residence | May qualify for homestead |
| Qualifying trust beneficiary | Trust meets Texas homestead requirements | May qualify for homestead |
You must not claim another homestead exemption in Texas or elsewhere.
Texas law mandates that your ID address match the homestead address.
The $140,000 general exemption and $60,000 additional age-65/disability exemption are the current statutory school-district amounts
When Should You File for the Homestead Exemption?
The best time to file for the Texas residence homestead exemption is by April 30.
If you miss the deadline, you may still be able to file late, depending on your circumstances.
| Your Situation | When to File | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Already own and occupy your home | Jan. 1–Apr. 30 | April 30 |
| Bought or occupied the home after Jan. 1 | As soon as you qualify | Special rules may allow the exemption for that tax year |
| Turned 65 during the year | After turning 65 | Generally, up to 2 years after you became 65 |
| Became disabled | After you qualify | Generally, up to 2 years after the taxes become delinquent |
| Missed the April 30 deadline | File as soon as possible | Generally, up to 2 years after the tax delinquency date |
| Certain disabled-veteran exemptions | File as soon as possible | Up to 5 years after the tax delinquency date |
If you qualify for an exemption, filing as soon as you become eligible can help ensure you receive the tax savings for the applicable year.
Late applications may also result in a reduction or refund of taxes already paid
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
To apply for a homestead in Texas, you need to show and provide some documents.
Depending on the exemption, include:
- Proof of age 65 (copy of ID or birth certificate) for the over‑65 exemption. Surviving spouses: add the deceased spouse’s death certificate and the marriage license.
- Disability proof: a letter or benefit award from SSA certifying disability.
- Veteran proof: VA disability rating letter or casualty report/military ID.
- Trusts: a copy of the trust agreement and ID as described above.
- Heir property: death certificate, affidavits, and utility bill.
- Manufactured homes: TDHCA Statement of Ownership or sales contract for the home, or a sworn affidavit if missing. This ensures that even if you rent the land, your owned home is exempt.
- All Filings: A signed application listing all owners/occupants and parcels, a statement that you have no other homestead, and your Social Security number.
Where to File Your Homestead Exemption Application?
Online:
Most appraisal districts now offer online or mobile-app filing.
For example, Travis County allows electronic filing through the JustAppraised portal, Harris County has an HCAD Info mobile app, and Bexar County has a web portal at bcad.org.
How to File Your Texas Homestead Exemption Online
Step 1: Find your county appraisal district (CAD) website.
Go to the appraisal district website for the county where your home is located.
Texas requires homestead exemption applications to be filed with the local appraisal district.
Step 2: Look for the online exemption application.
Search the CAD website for
- Homestead Exemption,
- Residence Homestead,
- Exemptions or
- Online Services.
Some counties provide a dedicated online portal or mobile app.
Step 3: Create an account or sign in.
If the county uses an online filing system, you need to register with your email and create your login credentials.
Step 4: Enter your property information.
Have your property address and appraisal district account/property ID number available.
The official Texas Form 50-114 also asks for information such as the date you acquired the property and when you began occupying it as your principal residence.
Step 5: Provide owner information.
Enter the property owner’s name and the requested identification information. You may also need information for a spouse or other co-owner.
Step 6: Select the exemption you’re claiming
For a typical homeowner, select General Residence Homestead Exemption.
Step 7: Upload required documents
Follow your CAD’s instructions for supporting documentation. Depending on your circumstances, the district may require identification, affidavits, or other documentation.
Step 8: Submit the application online.
Save or download the confirmation number, receipt, or submission screen for your records.
File Texas Homestead Exemption By Mail
Download the form, which is either Texas Form 50-114 or county-specific, from the Comptroller or your county CAD website.
Fill it out, attach copies of required documents, and mail or hand-deliver it to the appraisal district.
- Travis CAD: 850 E. Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78752.
- Bexar CAD: 411 N. Frio St., San Antonio, TX 78207.
- Harris CAD: 13013 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77040.
- Dallas CAD: 2949 N. Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75247.
- Tarrant CAD: 2500 Handley-Ederville Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76118
No filing fee or postage is required beyond the cost to you.
File Texas Homestead Exemption In Person
You may submit in person at the appraisal district office, usually M–F, 8 am–5 pm.
- Find your county appraisal district (CAD) office.
- Download and complete Form 50-114.
- Gather your required documents, such as your Texas driver’s license or state-issued ID.
- Visit the CAD office during business hours.
- Submit your completed application and documents.
- Ask staff questions if you need help with the filing process.
- Keep your submission receipt or confirmation for your records.
- Check with the CAD if you need to follow up on your application
Can You File a Late Homestead Exemption?
Yes, you often can file a late homestead exemption, but it depends heavily on the state and sometimes the county.
If you miss the April 30 deadline, Texas law lets you apply late. A late application for the residence homestead can be filed up to two years after the taxes became delinquent.
| State | Regular Deadline | Late Filing? | How Late? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | April 30 | Yes | Generally up to 2 years after the tax delinquency date |
| Florida | March 1 | Limited | Generally requires qualifying circumstances and must meet statutory late-filing deadlines |
| Georgia | April 1 | Yes | Current law allows filing through the applicable assessment-appeal period |
| Other States | Varies | Varies | Check the state/county rules |
To request late relief,
- Use the same homestead application form
- Explain why you didn’t file
- If approved, the appraisal district will notify the tax collector, and the collector will refund any taxes overpaid for that year(s) within 60 days.
Here is a demo mail, you can send in:
Late Homestead Exemption Letter
(By Property Owner)
| Date: | [Date] |
| To: | [County Name] Appraisal District |
| Re: | Late Homestead Exemption – Tax Year ____ |
| Property: | [Property Address] |
| Account #: | [Account Number] |
Dear [County Name] Appraisal District,
I hereby apply for a late residence homestead exemption for tax year ____. I first became eligible on [date] but was unaware of the filing deadline. I respectfully request that the exemption be applied retroactively pursuant to Texas Tax Code §11.431.
I have completed Form 50-114, marked it as a late application, and included the required supporting documentation.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Full Name]
[Phone / Email]
Even if you are past the two-year window, you should still ask the appraisal district to consider it (some courts have upheld very late grants if justified).
At minimum, missing the deadline without filing means your exemption starts the next year only.
Do You Have to Reapply Every Year?
No, you do not reapply every year.
Texas law considers the exemption granted permanently as long as qualifications don’t change.
The chief appraiser will audit homestead claims every five years and may request updated information.
You must reapply only if the appraisal district specifically requests it in writing, or if your residence changes.
- When you buy a home and make it your primary residence.
- By April 30 of the tax year.
- After April 30 if you missed the deadline.
- For a previous year if you forgot to apply and are still eligible for a late filing.
- When you turn 65 to claim the additional exemption.
- When you become eligible for a disability exemption.
- When you move to a new primary residence.
- You generally do not need to reapply every year once approved.
If you move, you must apply again at the new address.
Texas Homestead Exemption FAQ
No, the exemption generally renews automatically unless you move or the appraisal district requests additional information.
You generally keep the exemption if you don’t establish another primary residence and intend to return within two years.
No, you can claim a homestead exemption on only one primary residence.
No, you can generally rent part of your home or run a business there and still qualify if you live there as your primary residence.
You may still qualify for a prorated exemption for that year if the seller did not claim it, starting when you occupy the home.
You may risk denial if your ID address does not match your homestead address as of Jan. 1, so update your identification as soon as possible.
Generally, only one party can claim the homestead exemption on a home, usually the person who occupies it as their primary residence.
Yes, Texas generally allows late homestead applications for up to two years after the taxes are due.
Yes, the exemption can reduce applicable city, county, and other local property taxes, depending on the exemptions each taxing unit offers.
A homestead cap limits how much the taxable value of your home can increase each year, while certain senior or disability exemptions can freeze school taxes at the amount charged when you qualify.
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