Texas Homestead Exemption 2026: Save $140K

Texas Homestead Exemption 2026: How to Apply & Save Up to $140,000

What Is a Homestead Exemption in Texas?

A homestead exemption in Texas is a property tax benefit that reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. If you own and live in a home in Texas, the homestead exemption removes up to $100,000 from your home's value before school district taxes are calculated — meaning you pay taxes on a lower amount. Combined with local exemptions, eligible homeowners can exempt $140,000 or more from their total taxable value.

The homestead exemption is free to apply for, renews automatically each year, and is available to any Texas homeowner who uses the property as their primary residence. It is the single most impactful way to reduce your property tax bill before even filing a protest.

How Much Can You Save with a Homestead Exemption?

Thanks to Proposition 4 (passed in November 2023), the school district homestead exemption increased from $40,000 to $100,000. Additionally, most cities and counties offer optional exemptions of up to 20% of your home's value (minimum $5,000). For a $200,000 home, that's an extra $40,000 in local exemptions—bringing your total potential exemption to $140,000 or more.

This guide explains how the Texas homestead exemption works in 2026, who qualifies, how much you can save, and how to apply.

Texas Homestead Exemption Amounts (2026)

Here are the current exemption amounts available to Texas homeowners:

Maximum school district exemption for seniors/disabled: $110,000 ($100,000 general + $10,000 additional)

What Changed with Proposition 4?

In November 2023, Texas voters approved Proposition 4, which:

• Increased the school district homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000
• Raised the 10% appraisal cap to apply to all homesteads (previously only applied after the first year)
• Provided approximately $1,000+ in annual savings for the average Texas homeowner

This is the largest property tax reduction in Texas history. Learn more about recent Texas property tax law changes.

How Much Can You Save?

The Texas homestead exemption reduces your taxable value, not your tax bill directly. Your savings depend on local tax rates.

Example calculation:

• Home market value: $400,000
• School district tax rate: 1.0%
• Without exemption: $400,000 × 1.0% = $4,000 in school taxes
• With $100,000 exemption: $300,000 × 1.0% = $3,000 in school taxes
• Annual savings: $1,000 (school taxes only)

Additional savings come from city, county, and special district exemptions where offered. Note that your exemption is applied to your appraised value, so understanding the difference between appraised value and capped value can help you maximize savings.

Who Qualifies for a Texas Homestead Exemption?

To qualify for a residential homestead exemption in Texas, you must:

1. Own the property — Your name must be on the deed (not an LLC or corporation)
2. Occupy it as your primary residence — Live there more than half the year
3. Not claim a homestead exemption elsewhere — Only one homestead per person/couple
4. Be a Texas resident — The home must be in Texas

Documentation That May Be Required

• Texas driver's license or ID with the property address
• Vehicle registration showing the property address
• Voter registration at the property address
• Utility bills in your name at the property

How to Apply for a Texas Homestead Exemption in 2026

Follow these steps to apply for your homestead exemption:

Step 1: Determine Your Deadline

The deadline to apply for a homestead exemption is typically April 30 of the tax year. However, you can file a late application up to two years after the deadline and receive the exemption for that year.

For 2026 property taxes: Apply by April 30, 2026 (or file late by April 30, 2028).

Step 2: Get the Application Form

Download Form 50-114 (Application for Residential Homestead Exemption) from:

• Your county appraisal district website
• The Texas Comptroller's website

Step 3: Complete the Application

The form requires:

• Property information (address, legal description, account number)
• Owner information
• Affirmation that the property is your primary residence
• Information about any additional exemptions (over 65, disabled, veteran)

Step 4: Submit to Your County Appraisal District

Submit the completed application to your county's appraisal district (not the tax assessor-collector). Methods vary by county:

• Online — Many counties accept electronic applications
• Mail — Send to your county appraisal district
• In person — Drop off at the appraisal district office

Apply for Your Homestead Exemption by County

Use these direct links to apply online with your county's appraisal district:

Don't see your county? Search for "[Your County] Appraisal District" to find your local CAD website.

Step 5: Receive Confirmation

The appraisal district will review your application and notify you of approval or denial. Once approved, the exemption automatically renews each year unless your eligibility changes.

Types of Texas Homestead Exemptions

General Residential Homestead Exemption

Available to all homeowners who use the property as their primary residence.

• School districts: $100,000 exemption (mandatory)
• Cities and counties: Up to 20% of home value, minimum $5,000 (optional, varies by jurisdiction)

Over 65 Exemption

Available to homeowners age 65 or older. For comprehensive details, see our complete guide to Texas property taxes for seniors.

• Additional $10,000 exemption from school district taxes
• School tax ceiling — Your school taxes are frozen at the amount due the year you turn 65
• Counties and cities may offer additional exemptions (minimum $3,000)

Important: You must apply the year you turn 65 to receive the tax ceiling benefit.

Disabled Person Exemption

Available to homeowners who are disabled as defined by federal law.

• Same benefits as the over-65 exemption
• Cannot be combined with the over-65 exemption (choose one)

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Available to veterans with a VA disability rating.

Surviving spouses may qualify to continue the exemption.

Surviving Spouse of First Responder

Surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty may qualify for a 100% homestead exemption.

Common Questions About Texas Homestead Exemptions

Do I need to reapply every year?

No. Once approved, your homestead exemption automatically renews each year. You only need to reapply if the appraisal district sends you a new application or your eligibility changes.

Can I get a homestead exemption on a second home?

No. The homestead exemption only applies to your primary residence. You cannot claim it on vacation homes, rental properties, or investment properties.

What if I bought my home mid-year?

You can apply for the homestead exemption immediately after purchasing. If approved before January 1, you'll receive the exemption for that tax year. If approved after January 1, it takes effect the following year.

Can I have a homestead exemption if my home is in an LLC?

Generally, no. The property must be owned by an individual, not a business entity. Some exceptions exist for certain trusts.

What happens to my exemption if I move?

Your exemption ends when you stop using the property as your primary residence. You must apply for a new exemption at your new home.

Homestead Exemption vs. Property Tax Protest

The homestead exemption and property tax protests are two different ways to reduce your property taxes, and you can use both.

Best strategy: Apply for all exemptions you qualify for, then protest your appraised value annually. The exemption is applied to your (hopefully reduced) appraised value.

Quick Answers: Texas Homestead Exemption FAQ

How much is the Texas homestead exemption in 2026?

The Texas homestead exemption removes $100,000 from your home's taxable value for school district taxes. This is a mandatory statewide exemption. Additionally, cities and counties may offer optional exemptions of up to 20% of your home's value (minimum $5,000). Combined, eligible homeowners can potentially exempt $140,000 or more from their total taxable value.

What is the deadline to apply for homestead exemption in Texas?

The deadline to apply for a Texas homestead exemption is April 30 of the tax year. However, you can file a late application for up to two years after the deadline. For 2026 property taxes, the regular deadline is April 30, 2026, with late applications accepted through April 30, 2028.

Can I get a homestead exemption on a second home in Texas?

No. Texas homestead exemptions only apply to your primary residence. You cannot claim a homestead exemption on vacation homes, rental properties, investment properties, or any home that is not your principal place of residence. Only one homestead exemption is allowed per person or married couple.

How do I check if I have a homestead exemption?

To check if you have a homestead exemption, search for your property on your county appraisal district's website. Your property record will show all exemptions currently applied to your account. Look for "HS" (homestead) in the exemptions section. You can also call your county appraisal district directly.

What documents do I need for Texas homestead exemption?

To apply for a Texas homestead exemption, you typically need:

• Texas driver's license or ID with the property address
• Vehicle registration showing the property address
• Utility bills in your name at the property
• Voter registration at the property address (optional but helpful)

You'll also need your property's legal description or account number, which you can find on your appraisal notice or property tax bill.

Texas Homestead Exemption Checklist

Print or save this checklist to ensure you have everything ready for your application:

Documents to Gather

• Texas driver's license or state ID (must show property address)
• Vehicle registration (must show property address)
• Recent utility bill (electric, gas, or water)
• Voter registration card (optional)
• Property account number (from appraisal notice or tax bill)
• Copy of deed (if recently purchased)

Application Steps

• Confirm you meet all eligibility requirements
• Download Form 50-114 from your county appraisal district
• Complete all required sections of the application
• Attach copies of supporting documents
• Submit before April 30 deadline
• Keep a copy for your records
• Follow up if you don't receive confirmation within 30 days

Important Deadlines for 2026

• April 30, 2026 — Regular application deadline
• April 30, 2028 — Late application deadline (for 2026 tax year)

After Approval

• Verify exemption appears on your property record
• Exemption renews automatically each year
• Update your address on your ID if you move
• Apply for new exemption at new property if you relocate

Don't Leave Money on the Table

If you own a home in Texas and haven't applied for your homestead exemption, you could be overpaying by $1,000 or more per year. The application is free and only takes a few minutes.

And once you have your exemption, consider protesting your property tax appraisal to save even more. Ballard Property Tax Protest helps Texas homeowners reduce their assessed values through evidence-based protests.

No reduction, no fee.

Get Started Today