Homestead Exemption

Property taxes are collected at the local government level. Most counties and cities assess and collect taxes for roads, bridges, police departments, fire departments, emergency response teams, parks, and other services provided to the communities.

Property taxes in Texas are assessed as a percentage of your property’s “county appraised values” in most cases. This value is different than market value. It is a good idea to be sure that your property is not overvalued, or over taxed. You should know what your home would bring in today’s market. A local real estate agent could provide you with a comparable market analysis of your home if you feel that your assessed value at the county appraisal district is too high. If you would like a free market analysis from one of the Realtors at our office, click Click Here  You also may contest the appraised value at your local appraisal district. There are deadlines and processes for this type of appeal. Review your assessment (most counties are sent in May), then follow the instructions for appeal in your county if you find your tax appraisals in error.

Texas offers several exemptions that can amount to great savings on your property taxes. One exemption offered on your primary residence is the homestead exemption. You are allowed to claim a homestead property tax exemption on your home if you do not claim another homestead exemption in Texas or another state. You must own your home on January 1 of the year in which you are filing. Homestead exemptions are not for investment properties. Generally speaking, you do not have to reapply every year. Homestead exemptions can save a significant amount of money on your property taxes.

It is FREE to file for your homestead exemption. You may receive letters shortly after buying a home offering to file your homestead exemption at a cost. This is NOT necessary or recommended. You should file for your homestead exemption at your county appraisal district. Click here to find your Texas panhandle county appraisal district office LINK HERE. 

Check with your local county appraisal district to see property tax exemptions you may qualify for. One thing to keep in mind is that most counties require your address on your driver’s license or ID to reflect the address of the property of which you are filing a homestead exemption. Be sure to change your address on your drivers license before filing for your homestead exemption. If your address is a post office box, you may be required to provide some other proof of residency. Ask your appraisal district what type of proof is required.

There are also other tax exemptions for which you may qualify. They include over 65, disabled exemptions, inherited residence exemptions, veterans, and Solar and wind energy device exemptions.

Veterans may be required to provide their DD214, or other documentation. Larger exemptions are available to disabled veterans. Appraisal districts may require the veteran’s disability letter to provide proof during application. If you are a veteran or a disabled veteran, call your local appraisal district to find out how to take advantage of these property tax exemptions. Thank you for your service!

For more Texas property tax exemptions and how to apply for them, call your local appraisal district or go to:https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/exemptions/