If you purchased a new home in 2021, the New Year means filing the homestead exemption in Texas. What is a homestead exemption? For those that don’t know or understand, the homestead exemption is a benefit to homeowners allowing for the removal of a portion of the home’s value from taxation. This in turn lowers the property taxes you pay each year. Sounds great, right? As it turns out, there are some requirements to qualify for the tax break. What are the qualifications? From qualification requirements to how it works, here’s everything you need to know about filing your homestead exemption in Texas.
How do I know if I qualify?
Qualifying for the homestead exemption is two part. One, the property you are applying for must be your primary residence – the address needs to match the one on your driver’s license, as this is what you use to apply. You may not claim any other property as homestead. Do you live on land? You can claim up to 20 acres of land as long as you maintain it for residential purposes.
Second, only individual homeowners may receive an exemption. This is not for corporations or other entities.
How does it work?
The homestead exemption is filed with your local county tax appraisal office – either in-person, by mail or online. Once you have filed, you do not have to apply to the same property again. The exemption remains on the property until it is sold or you take up primary residence at another property.
Where to file the Homestead Exemption?
For those that live in the Austin area, here are the links to the county websites:
Which county should you apply to? It depends on which county your property is located.
When to file?
It used to be that you had to file between January 1st to April 30th of the year after purchasing the property. But as of January 2, 2022, this is not the case anymore. You may apply immediately after purchasing the property. But keep in mind that part of the application is providing a copy of your driver’s license (DL) and your DL must show your new property’s address.
Why does the homestead exemption matter to you?
Simple: it is free, and it lowers your property taxes!
Filing the homestead exemption can only benefit you – don’t miss out on this great opportunity to lower your property taxes.
Any questions? Contact us. We would be more than happy to assist.