Bought a home in Texas? The homestead exemption takes $140,000 off your home's value for school taxes. It isn't automatic. Find your deadline and where to file.
A guide, not tax advice. Confirm the details with your appraisal district. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.
The short version
File with your county appraisal district, usually online. Most districts take Form 50-114 with a copy of your Texas driver's license showing the home's address.
The deadline for each tax year is before May 1 (April 30). If you buy after January 1, you can still get it for the part of the year you owned the home.
Missed it? You can file late, up to two years after that year's taxes were due.
School districts must exempt $140,000; there's an extra $60,000 if you're 65 or older or disabled.
You don't refile every year, but your appraisal district must re-check eligibility at least every five years. If a letter comes, answer it by its deadline or the exemption can be removed.
Think your value is too high? The protest deadline is May 15, or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever is later.