Texas property tax guide
The homestead exemption is not automatic.
If you own and occupy a Texas home as your principal residence, the residence homestead exemption can lower taxable value and unlock other protections. But you file it with the county appraisal district.
Homestead words, translated
Residence homestead
The home you own and occupy as your principal residence.
Second homes and rentals do not use the same exemption.
Form 50-114
The standard Texas residence homestead exemption application.
File with the appraisal district.
10 percent cap
A limit on annual appraised-value increases for a qualified residence homestead.
It is not the same as a 10 percent tax cap.
Over-65 or disabled exemption
An additional school exemption and possible tax-ceiling protection for qualifying owners.
Local options and ceilings need parcel-specific confirmation.
What it changes
The homestead exemption reduces taxable value for school district taxes and can also interact with local optional exemptions. It can also help with the residence homestead appraisal cap after the home qualifies.
The cap is easy to misunderstand. It limits the appraised-value increase for a qualified homestead. It does not freeze the whole tax bill, and it generally is not a first-year buyer shield.
For buyers, the practical move is simple: file when you qualify, keep proof, and check the appraisal district account before the next notice and bill cycle.
After homestead, watch these
Estimate property tax
See how the exemption changes the planning number.
Open estimator ->Build a timeline
Put filing and appraisal deadlines on a calendar.
Build timeline ->Appraisal protests
Know what to do when the notice arrives.
Read guide ->Local Notes
Read short Texas tax and homebuyer notes.
Browse notes ->Sources
This guide uses Texas Comptroller exemption guidance and property-tax basics.
- Data vintage:
- Texas Comptroller guidance current as reviewed June 2026
- Last reviewed:
- June 10, 2026
- Texas Comptroller property tax exemptions - residence homestead, school exemption, age 65 or disabled exemption, and filing guidance
- Texas Comptroller property tax basics - local appraisal, Jan. 1 value date, tax bills, and payment timing
- Texas Comptroller appraisal protests and appeals - ARB protest rights, notice timing, evidence, and protest deadlines
- Texas property tax rate lookup - official local tax-rate notices, budgets, and adopted rates by address or taxing unit
Caution: Texas Porch estimates from user-entered rates and values. Appraisal districts, tax assessor-collectors, and taxing units control parcel-specific values, exemptions, bills, and adopted rates.