If you're a property owner in Dallas County, Texas, you could be saving a significant amount of money on your property taxes by filing for a Dallas County homestead exemption.
That’s good news because Dallas County property taxes average $4,794 or more — much higher than the national median. A homestead exemption can help lower how much taxes you owe, leaving you with more money for other necessary expenses.
Here's how to apply for and submit a Dallas County homestead exemption before the deadline.
Understanding Homestead Exemptions
Homestead exemptions lower your property taxes by removing (or “exempting”) part of your home’s taxable value. This stops part of your residence from being taxed.
Importance of Homestead Exemptions for Homeowners
Homestead exemptions help you avoid large tax bills. That’s especially important in Texas, which has some of the highest property tax rates in the nation in lieu of a state income tax.
Eligibility Requirements for Homestead Exemptions
Wondering if you qualify for a homestead exemption in Texas? Here's what you need to know.
You can apply for a homestead exemption if your home meets the definition of a residential homestead. In Texas, a homestead is your primary residence and the property it sits on.
Your homestead can be a condominium, a manufactured house, or a separate structure as long as you own and occupy the property. In Texas, movable assets (like boats or mobile homes) don't qualify. To see if your home qualifies, contact Ownwell to discuss which exemptions you're eligible for.
Only individual homeowners qualify, so your home can’t be owned by a corporation or business entity.
In urban areas, your homestead can include up to 10 acres of land if you own the land and use it for residential purposes. For rural areas, the acreage limit is 100 for a single adult and 200 for a family.
If you own multiple properties in or outside of Texas, you can only claim an exemption on the home you use as your principal residence.
As of January 2022, new property owners can claim a homestead exemption upon purchase, effective for the remaining tax year. However, the previous owner must not have claimed a homestead exemption for the same tax year.
Types of Homestead Exemptions Available
Qualified homeowners have multiple options for homestead exemptions.
General Homestead Exemption
The Texas homestead exemption in section 11.13(b) of the Texas Tax Code requires all Texas school districts to exempt some taxable value of qualifying properties, including homesteads. As of 2023, the annual exemption is $100,000.
Additionally, cities, school districts, and other special districts in Dallas County can offer local optional homestead exemptions ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of 20% of your property’s value.
Over-65 Homestead Exemption
Are you a homeowner aged 65 or older? Then, you might qualify for the over-65 homestead exemption, which provides an additional $10,000. Tax Code Section 11.13(d) also permits local optional residence homestead exemptions of no less than $3,000.
If you are 55 or older, you may qualify for the homestead exemption if you are the surviving spouse of a qualified homeowner.
Disability Homestead Exemption
This exemption is for people who have a physical or mental disability as defined by the Social Security Administration. If that applies to you, then you could receive an additional $10,000 residence homestead exemption as well as a local optional exemption of $3,000 or more.
If you qualify for both the over-65 and disabled homestead exemptions, you can receive both. However, you cannot receive them from the same tax unit (i.e., school district, city, county, or special district) in the same tax year.
If you have any questions about which exemption offers the best tax breaks for you or whether a family member can claim your exemption in the event of your death, you can contact your local appraisal district.
Ownwell can also help by creating estimates of tax savings based on local market data.
Disabled Veteran Exemption
The disabled veteran exemption is for Texas residents with service-connected disabilities. To qualify, you must be a veteran of the U.S. armed forces and be classified as disabled by your armed services branch or the Veteran’s Administration.
The amount of this exemption varies, but veterans with 100% disability may be fully exempt from paying property taxes on their homes.
Application Process for Homestead Exemptions
Ready to apply for a homestead exemption? Below is your step-by-step guide to the homestead application process.
Where to Obtain the Application Form
Find the homestead exemption Dallas County Texas form (Form 50-114) on the Texas Comptroller’s website.
Completing the Application Form
On the fillable Dallas Central Appraisal District homestead exemption form, select all exemptions that apply to you.
After entering your information, attach the required documents.
Include a copy of your Texas driver’s license or ID card. Be sure the address on your license matches your homestead address. If you're an assisted living facility resident or a participant in the Texas Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), you are exempt from providing this information. Just be sure to indicate the exemption in Section 4: Waiver of Required Documentation.
If you're applying for the disabled person exemption, you must provide proof of your disability. This proof can include letters or records from a medical or rehabilitation professional. It can also be your VA award letter assigning your disability rating. Be sure your documentation includes the date your disability began.
If your spouse received the over-65 homestead exemption and has passed away, rest assured that you will be taken care of after their death. You can attach your spouse’s death certificate to the application to qualify for the surviving spouse exemption and keep your property taxes low.
Submission Methods for the Application
File your Texas homestead exemption form and all accompanying documentation with the Dallas Central Appraisal District office. You can submit your application online, in person, or by mail.
Key Deadlines for Filing Homestead Exemption Forms
Make sure to file your homestead exemption application no later than April 30. However, if you miss the application deadline, you can still retroactively apply for the exemption two years after the original deadline has passed. In this case, be sure to check the box at the top of your Form 50-114 indicating a late application.
Ownwell can also help you retroactively apply for your homestead exemption.
Additional Tips for Homeowners Applying for Homestead Exemptions
There is no fee required to apply for a Texas homestead exemption.
Once you receive the homestead exemption for two consecutive years, you will receive the homestead exemption “cap.” This keeps year-to-year increases in your property’s assessed value to no more than 10%.
FAQs
New laws and changing requirements may affect how you manage your homestead exemption. Here are answers to some common questions about receiving and maintaining a homestead exemption in Dallas County.
What if my application is denied?
Review the reasons for the denial. Check for mistakes and see if you need to provide additional documentation to prove your eligibility.
You can contact your local appraisal district for more specific reasons for the denial. If you feel you’re still qualified, you can go through the property tax appeals process.
How often do I need to reapply for the exemption?
Due to a 2023 Texas state law, homeowners must now reapply for the homestead exemption at least once every five years to verify their eligibility. Failure to respond to the verification notice will result in your home being taxed at the full appraised value. To help, Ownwell offers homestead exemption monitoring for all customers; one less thing you must keep track of.
Are there income requirements for the over-65 exemption?
The Dallas Central Appraisal District does not list any income requirements for the over-65 exemption. However, certain counties do have income requirements for any property tax exemption. You can contact your local appraisal office for their specific requirements.
Finding Help for Your Homestead Exemptions
Ready to reduce your property taxes with a Dallas County homestead exemption?
If you need help getting an exemption, Ownwell can help you learn what homestead exemptions you qualify for. We’ll help you file the application and go after any refunds you may be due.
Concerned about reapplying? We also monitor your exemption status so your tax bill stays low. And if we can’t find any savings, we don’t charge you.
Visit our website and start saving today!
