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Homestead Exemptions

You can now file for the homestead exemption in the same year you bought your home! If you use the home as your primary residence, then you qualify for the homestead exemption on your property taxes. This represents about a 20% reduction on your annual property tax bill. We want you to know how to file your homestead exemption forms. It is free, so don't pay anyone to do this.

What is a homestead exemption?

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Homestead exemptions are granted by the county appraisal district in which the property is located. The exemption reduces a homeowner's property tax bill by removing part of the home's value from taxation. A homestead can be a house, condominium or manufactured home and can include as many as 20 acres if you also own the land and use it as a yard or for another residential-related purposes. 

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How do I know if a qualify for a homestead exemption?

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In order to qualify for a residential homestead exemption you must:

  • Live at the home as your principal residence and not claim any other property as homestead.

  • Be an individual homeowner (corporations or other entities aren’t eligible).

  • Your Texas Driver’s License or State ID Card must match the address on the property that you are filing homestead on.
     

How do I get a homestead exemption?

 

It is free to file for your homestead exemption. All you need to do is complete the application for residential homestead exemption which is available on your county's appraisal district website, or at the Texas Comptroller's website. We have included links to these applications for some of the closest counties below. Remember, you must include a copy of your driver's license or ID with a matching address so make sure you get your address changed before applying.

Harris County

The application for​ Harris County can be found here.

 

Please watch this 3 minute video that shows you how to file your homestead exemption using the free app provided by the Harris County Appraisal District.

You are NOT required to fill out your value on any “Congratulations Cards” from HCAD. Texas is a non-disclosure state and you are NOT required to provide this information. They can use the information you provide to raise your taxes as well as your neighbors' taxes.

The application for Galveston County can be found here.

 

Montgomery, Liberty, Chambers, Brazoria, Fort Bend, & Waller​ County

The application for all other counties can be found here. Instructions for completing and filing this form are on page 3.

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