To check your homestead exemption status in Texas, visit your County Appraisal District (CAD) website, search your property by address or account number, and look for an “Exemptions” section on your property record. Your property record will show whether your exemption is active and what type of exemption is applied.Â
Exemption amounts in this guide reflect the 2026 Texas legislative changes.
Key Takeaways
Check Status Online: The fastest way to verify your exemption is to use your local County Appraisal District (CAD) website and its property search tool.
Eligibility: You must own the home, it must be your primary residence, and you must be a Texas resident as of January 1st.
Key Deadline: Applications for the current tax year are generally due by April 30th.
Processing Time: It typically takes one to three months for an application status to be updated in the system.
Verification: Texas law now requires many districts to verify eligibility every five years to maintain the exemption.
Understanding Homestead Exemptions in Texas
A Texas homestead exemption saves homeowners money on property taxes by reducing a portion of their home's assessed value from taxation. This requires that you own part of the property, that it’s your primary residence, and that you’re a resident of Texas.
Unsure Which Exemptions You Qualify For?
How to Check Your Homestead Exemption Status
Visit your local County Appraisal District (CAD) website. (Find your CAD at the Texas Comptroller's CAD directory).
Select the "Property Search" or "Account Search" tool.
Enter your property address or CAD account number.
Open your property record and locate the "Exemptions" section.
Confirm that "Homestead Exemption" is listed as active.
Popular County CAD Links:
Types of Homestead Exemptions Available
Homestead exemptions reduce property taxes by lowering your home's taxable value. Only the general homestead, 65+, and inheritance exemptions apply to school district taxes.
Exemption Type | Reduction Amount | Key Requirements | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
General Homestead | $140,000 (school district taxes) | Own and occupy as primary residence | Texas homeowners |
Over-65 | Additional $60,000 + possible tax freeze | Age 65 or older | Homeowners 65+ |
Disability | $60,000 (school district taxes) | Qualified disability under SSA | Homeowners with disabilities |
Disabled Veteran | Varies by VA disability rating | Honorably discharged U.S. Veteran | Veterans with VA disability rating |
Eligibility Criteria for Texas Homestead Exemptions
Texas has strict criteria to ensure that property owners don’'t exploit homestead exemptions.
Age Requirements
The property owner must be 65 or older to qualify for the senior exemptions.
Disability Requirements
You must have a qualified disability under the Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Act administered by the Social Security Administration. You must also be 18 or older.
Ownership and Residency Requirements
The ownership and residency requirements for a homestead exemption include the following:
You must own (or partially own) the home you claim as a homestead.
The homestead must be your primary personal property and residence.
You must live on the property on or before January 1 of the year you request the exemption and be a resident of Texas.
Application Process for Homestead Exemption in Texas
Applications can be made in person, online, or by mail. They are done through your county's appraisal district (CAD). Exemption applications for the following year are due April 30th of the current year. Applications require the following documentation:
Proof of principal residence: This could be a Texas identification card or driver's license that has the home address of your homestead.
Social security number: In some cases, you do need your Social Security number.
Proof of ownership: Official documentation, such as a deed, is required to show you own the home.
Proof of disability or age: Documentation proving age or disability status is required for your exemption application.
Reapplication Criteria
In 2023, Texas passed a law requiring CADs to verify homestead exemption eligibility by mail every 5 years. Some counties, such as Harris County, send annual postcards instead.
Here's when you need to reapply:
General homestead: No annual reapplication required.
Over-65 or disability: Reapply only if your eligibility status changes.
Surviving spouse: File once; no renewal needed.
New property: Reapply when you move to a different home, and it becomes your primary residence.
Unsure if you're eligible for a homestead exemption or want help lowering your property taxes? Ownwell handles the paperwork—including retroactive applications for Texans who qualified over the past two years but never filed.
We'll apply for your exemptions and appeal your property taxes on your behalf. You only pay if we save.
Your Neighbors Might Be Paying Less...
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Texas homestead exemption to show up?
After submitting your application, it typically takes one to three months for the exemption to be reflected in your property record.
What is the deadline to apply for a homestead exemption in Texas?
The general deadline is April 30th of the tax year. However, you may be able to file a late application for up to two years after the year you qualified.
Do I need to reapply every year?
No. Once approved, it does not require annual reapplication. However, you must respond to verification notices (sent every five years) to maintain it.
