Watch this video...
Good news! As of January 1. 2022 you can go ahead and file your homestead exemption in the same year you purchase your home and you will receive a partial exemption, prorate for that year. Thanks to a new law, you no longer have to wait until the following year to file. All Texas homeowners may receive a General Residence Homestead Exemption on the value of their property for school taxes upon application.
3 things you need to know...
File deadline is April 30th . Keep in mind, the Homestead Exemption is NOT Automatic. You have to file for it yourself with the county where the home resides. You can do this directly with the county. It is FREE. And you only have to do it once, not every year as some scam solicitations suggest. You do not have to pay anyone to file your Homestead Exemption for you, so ignore any mail solicitations for filing your homestead, even if they look official. This is completely DIY and the county will not remind you when you purchase.
There are 3 homestead exemptions you can qualify for. If you are 65 and older, disabled, or a disabled veteran you are also eligible for additional property tax exemptions besides your current residential homestead. Save all you can, when you can.
Applying for homestead exemptions in Texas is fairly straightforward, assuming you meet the basic eligibility requirements . All you have to do is file a bit of paperwork. Visit the tax appraisal website for your county to find any specific instructions.
Travis County | File Online or Click here to download the form Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 149012, Austin, TX 78714
Williamson County | File Online or Click here to download the form Mailing Address: 625 FM 1460, Georgetown, TX 78626
Hays County | Click here to download the form Mailing Address: 21001 IH 35 North, Kyle, Texas 78640
Bastrop County | Click here to download the form Mailing Address: P.O. Box 578, Bastrop, TX 78602