Homestead exemption can lower your property tax bill

Texas law requires school districts to take $140,000 off the appraised value of your home before calculating the school portion of your taxes. Other local taxing units — like the county — can offer extra exemptions on top of that.

To get the exemption, you must own the home and use it as your main residence. You file the application with the Coleman County Appraisal District. The general deadline is before May 1 of the tax year, but check with the district because late filings are sometimes allowed. Visit the Texas Comptroller's exemptions page for the forms and current rules.