Property Tax Exemptions Texas Homeowners Forget to File For
What property tax exemptions are Texas homeowners missing? The general homestead exemption shields $140,000 of a home's value from school taxes, with an additional $60,000 available for homeowners 65 or older or disabled and it's free to file, yet plenty of eligible homeowners never submit the paperwork.
This is one of the few genuinely free ways to lower your tax bill and it still gets missed constantly. Filing takes one form, costs nothing and the deadline is the same every year: April 30.
The General Homestead Exemption: $140,000, Available to Everyone
Every Texas homeowner who owns and occupies a property as their primary residence qualifies for the general homestead exemption, which shields $140,000 of assessed value from school district taxes, raised from $100,000 after voters approved Proposition 13 in November 2025. You have to own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year and your Texas driver's license or state ID needs to match the property address. There's no minimum ownership period and filing is free through your county appraisal district.
Over 65 or Disabled: An Additional $60,000, Plus a Tax Freeze
Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who meet the legal definition of disability, qualify for an additional $60,000 exemption on top of the general homestead, for a combined $200,000 shielded from school taxes. Just as valuable: this exemption also freezes your school district tax bill at the level it was the year you turned 65 or became disabled, regardless of how much your home's appraised value rises afterward. Homeowners don't need to have owned the home as of January 1 to qualify for this one, they qualify as soon as they turn 65 or become disabled, whenever that happens during the year.
Disabled Veteran Exemptions: Scaled by Rating, Up to Full Exemption
Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating qualify for an exemption that scales with their rating, from 10% up to 100%, filed through Form 50-135. Veterans with a 100% disability rating qualify for a full exemption from property taxes on their primary residence entirely, filed instead through the standard homestead Form 50-114. Surviving spouses of a 100% disabled veteran or of a first responder or service member killed in the line of duty, can continue receiving this exemption as long as they don't remarry.
Local and Optional Exemptions Can Stack On Top
Counties, cities, and special districts can each offer their own additional exemptions on top of the state-mandated minimums, sometimes a flat amount, sometimes a percentage of appraised value up to 20%. These vary significantly by where you live, so it's worth checking directly with your county appraisal district for anything offered locally beyond the state requirements.
How to Actually File
● Use Form 50-114 for the general homestead, over-65, and disability exemptions, all on one form
● Use Form 50-135 separately for the disabled veteran exemption, with your VA award letter attached
● File with your county appraisal district, not the county tax office, and it's free
● The standard deadline is April 30 of the tax year, though late applications are allowed for a period afterward
● Include a Texas driver's license or state ID matching the property address, and any required affidavits for jointly owned property
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reapply for my homestead exemption every year?
No. Once approved, the general homestead exemption stays in place as long as you continue to own and occupy the home as your primary residence. You don't need to refile annually.
Can I combine the homestead, over-65, and veteran exemptions?
Yes, in most cases these stack. The over-65 or disability exemption adds to the general homestead exemption, and disabled veteran exemptions can often combine with both for substantial combined relief.
What happens if I miss the April 30 deadline?
Late applications are typically still accepted for a period after the deadline, but filing on time ensures you get the full exemption applied for the entire tax year rather than a partial or delayed benefit.
Not Sure Which Exemptions You Qualify For?
A lot of homeowners qualify for more than they realize, especially once age, disability, or veteran status enters the picture. Jeanie Marten Real Estate can help point you toward your county appraisal district's specific forms and requirements as part of understanding your home's full financial picture. Visit MartenTeam.com or book a consultation.
Exemption amounts reflect 2026 Texas law following the November 2025 passage of Proposition 13. Confirm current details and deadlines with your county appraisal district, as amounts and local rules can vary and change
