Fort Bend Homestead Exemption: How to Apply in 2026
If you're a homeowner in Fort Bend County, Texas, property taxes can take a significant bite out of your budget each year. The good news is that you may be eligible for a homestead exemption that can substantially reduce your property tax bill.
A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, which directly lowers your property taxes. In this guide, we'll explain the different types of exemptions available in Fort Bend County, how to apply, and important deadlines you need to know for 2026.
What is a Property Tax Homestead Exemption?
A homestead exemption is a property tax reduction that Texas offers to homeowners who use their property as a primary residence.
Here's how it works: The exemption reduces the taxable value of your home. For example, if your home is valued at $350,000 and you receive a $140,000 homestead exemption, you would only pay school district taxes on $210,000 of value.
2026 Fort Bend County Exemption Amounts
| Exemption Type | Amount | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| General School District | $140,000 | All homeowners |
| Fort Bend County | 20% (min $5,000) | All homeowners |
| Over-65 / Disabled (Additional) | $60,000 | School district taxes |
| 100% Disabled Veteran | 100% exemption | All property taxes |
Example: If your home's appraised value is $400,000:
- School district taxes: Based on $260,000 ($400,000 - $140,000)
- County taxes: Based on $320,000 ($400,000 - 20%)
- If over 65: School taxes based on $200,000 ($400,000 - $140,000 - $60,000)
Who Qualifies for Homestead Exemptions in Texas?
To qualify for a general homestead exemption in Fort Bend County, you must meet these requirements:
- Ownership: The home must be titled to an individual (not a corporation or business entity)
- Primary residence: You must use the property as your principal residence as of January 1 of the tax year
- Single exemption: You can only claim a homestead exemption on one property
- Property types: Standalone homes, condominiums, and manufactured homes on owned or leased land all qualify
You can include up to 20 acres of land as part of your homestead as long as you own the land and use it for residential purposes.
How Do I Apply for a Fort Bend County Homestead Exemption?
Online Application (Recommended)
The fastest way to apply is through the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District (FBCAD) online portal:
- Go to fbcad.org and click on "eServices"
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Exemptions Portal"
- Complete Form 50-114 (Residence Homestead Exemption Application)
- Upload required documents
- Submit before the deadline
FBCAD's website includes a helpful video walkthrough of the online application process.
Paper Application
You can also submit a paper application by:
- Download Form 50-114 from the Texas Comptroller's website
- Complete the form and gather required documents
- Mail or deliver to FBCAD
Required Documents
You'll need to provide:
- Texas Driver's License or State ID — The address must match your homestead property address
- For Over-65 Exemption: Proof of age (birth certificate or ID showing DOB)
- For Disability Exemption: Social Security Administration award letter stating disability date
- For Disabled Veterans: VA award letter showing 100% service-connected disability or unemployability rating
FBCAD Contact Information
Fort Bend Central Appraisal District
- Address: 2801 B.F. Terry Blvd, Rosenberg, TX 77471
- Phone: (281) 344-8623
- Email: info@fbcad.org
- Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Important Deadlines
| Deadline | Description |
|---|---|
| January 1 | You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence by this date |
| April 30 | Standard deadline to file for the current tax year |
| Late Filing | You can file up to 2 years after the deadline for general exemptions |
| Disabled Veterans | Can file up to 5 years after the deadline |
Note: If you purchase a home during the year, you can file for a homestead exemption in the same year you buy. Your exemption will be prorated from your purchase date.
5-Year Verification Requirement
Texas homeowners must verify their homestead exemption status at least once every five years. Here's what you need to know:
- FBCAD will send verification notices to homeowners
- You must respond to confirm you still qualify
- Failure to respond may result in losing your exemption
- FBCAD is taking a "property owner-friendly approach" by auditing exemptions and notifying individual owners
Keep your contact information updated with FBCAD to ensure you receive verification notices.
Over-65 and Disabled Person Exemptions
If you're 65 or older, or if you have a qualifying disability, you're eligible for additional exemptions beyond the general homestead exemption.
Over-65 Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Over-65 homestead exemption in Fort Bend County, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Age: You must be 65 years of age or older by January 1 of the tax year you are applying for
- General homestead exemption on file: You must already have an approved general homestead exemption with FBCAD before applying for the Over-65 exemption
- Primary residence: The property must be your principal residence
- Ownership: You must own the property in your individual name (not a business entity)
You can apply for the Over-65 exemption in the same year you turn 65, but the exemption and tax freeze take effect beginning the year you qualify. If your spouse is 65 or older, the surviving spouse can retain the Over-65 exemption and tax ceiling.
Benefits for Seniors (65+)
- Additional $60,000 school exemption (on top of the $140,000 general exemption, for a combined school exemption of up to $200,000)
- School tax ceiling (freeze): Your school taxes are frozen at the amount you paid the year you turned 65 or qualified for the exemption
- Tax deferral option: You can defer paying property taxes (with interest) until you sell or pass away
- Transferable ceiling: If you move within Texas, you can transfer your tax ceiling to your new home
Benefits for Disabled Persons
- Additional $60,000 school exemption
- School tax ceiling similar to over-65 exemption
- Must provide Social Security Administration documentation
Disabled Veteran Exemptions
Fort Bend County offers significant property tax relief for disabled veterans:
| Disability Rating | Exemption Amount |
|---|---|
| 100% Disabled | Total exemption (no property tax) |
| 70% - 99% | $12,000 off assessed value |
| 50% - 69% | $10,000 off assessed value |
| 30% - 49% | $7,500 off assessed value |
| 10% - 29% | $5,000 off assessed value |
Important: The 100% disabled veteran exemption also extends to the surviving unmarried spouse if the veteran passes away.
To qualify, you must:
- Be a veteran disabled while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces
- Be a Texas resident
- Provide VA documentation of your disability rating
What Are Some Other Ways To Reduce My Fort Bend Property Taxes?
Homestead exemptions provide significant tax relief, but you can take additional steps to lower your property taxes even further.
File a Property Tax Protest
One of the best ways to reduce your Fort Bend property taxes is to file a property tax protest. A protest allows you to challenge the assessed value of your home.
Example: If FBCAD assesses your home at $400,000 and you successfully protest to reduce it to $350,000, your exemptions will be subtracted from the new lower amount—saving you even more.
You can also protest properties that aren't your primary residence and don't qualify for homestead exemptions, such as rental properties or second homes.
Work with a Professional
If you want to lower your Fort Bend County property tax bill without the hassle, sign up for Ballard Property Tax Protest's professional services. We handle everything:
- Filing your protest on time
- Gathering comparable sales evidence
- Representing you at hearings
No upfront fees—we only get paid if we successfully reduce your property taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline to file for a homestead exemption in Fort Bend County?
The deadline is April 30 of the tax year for which you're applying. However, you can file a late application up to two years after the deadline.
Do I need to reapply for my homestead exemption every year?
No. Once approved, your exemption remains in place unless you move to a new primary residence or the chief appraiser requires verification. Starting in 2025, you must respond to verification notices sent every five years.
Can I file for a homestead exemption online?
Yes. FBCAD offers an online portal at fbcad.org where you can submit Form 50-114 and upload required documents.
What if my driver's license address doesn't match my property?
Your Texas Driver's License or State ID must show the same address as the property you're claiming for a homestead exemption. Update your ID at the DPS before applying.
Can I get a homestead exemption if I bought my home this year?
Yes. Since January 2022, you can file for a homestead exemption in the same year you purchase your home. The exemption will be prorated from your purchase date.
Should I pay a company to file my homestead exemption?
No. Filing a homestead exemption is free. Do not pay third-party companies that send mailers offering to file for you. Apply directly through FBCAD.
Who qualifies for the Over-65 homestead exemption in Fort Bend County?
You must be age 65 or older by January 1 of the tax year, own and occupy the property as your primary residence, and already have a general homestead exemption on file with FBCAD. The Over-65 exemption provides an additional $60,000 school district exemption and a school tax freeze.
How much can I save with a Fort Bend County homestead exemption?
The general homestead exemption removes $140,000 from your taxable value for school district taxes and 20% for county taxes. For a home valued at $400,000, this can save over $2,000 per year. Over-65 homeowners save even more with the additional $60,000 exemption and school tax freeze.