How to lower your Clay County property tax bill with a homestead exemption

If you own and live in your home in Clay County as of January 1 of the tax year, you can apply for a residence homestead exemption. The exemption reduces the taxable value of your home, which lowers your bill. You apply once — you do not need to reapply each year unless the appraisal district asks you to.

The Clay County Appraisal District (CCAD) handles all exemptions for taxing units in the county. The application window runs from January 1 through April 30. If you miss that deadline, you can file a late application up to two years after the taxes become delinquent.

Homeowners who are 65 or older get an additional exemption and a school tax ceiling — the school portion of your tax bill cannot go above what it was the year you turned 65. You have one year from your birthday to file for this. Download forms from the CCAD website or call the district at 940-538-4311. Note: the appraisal district sets values; taxing units like the county and school district set their own rates separately.