Homestead Exemptions

FAQ's from Travis Central Appraisal District

What is a homestead exemption?

"A homestead exemption is a legal provision that can help you pay less taxes on your home. If you own and occupy your home, you may be eligible for the general residential homestead exemption. Exemptions are also available for disabled veterans, seniors over the age of 65, people with qualifying disabilities, and some surviving spouses" (TCAD, accessed 4/1/26).

What do I need to do to apply?

"A general residential homestead exemption is available to taxpayers who own and reside at a property as of January 1st of the year. To apply for this exemption, taxpayers must submit a completed application along with a driver’s license or state-issued personal ID certificate that has the same address as the property they are applying for the exemption on. In limited circumstances, property owners may be eligible to claim an exemption as early as their move-in date if the property’s previous owner did not have an exemption on the property and the new owner is not already claiming an exemption for the tax year" (TCAD, emphasis added).

See the appraisal district websites below for more info, how to apply, etc.

Do I have to apply for a homestead exemption every year?

"You do not have to reapply for a homestead exemption unless the Chief Appraiser requests a new application in writing, you move to a new residence, or your qualifications for an exemption change. State law requires an appraisal district to audit our exemption records every five years. If the District needs more information to confirm your benefits should continue, you may be asked to reapply."

I just purchased my home. When can I apply for a homestead exemption?

"To qualify for a homestead exemption, you must own and occupy the property on which you are applying. If you recently purchased a home, you may submit the form now and the homestead will be applied to the year in which you qualify."

Other Notes

Remember it can take up to 90 days to process an application. It can also take time for you to get an updated driver's license so be sure to do that first and ASAP. "A Texas Drivers License or a DPS ID displaying the property address are the only acceptable forms of identification that the appraisal district can use."

Let me know if you need help with finding your home's legal description.