The Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Tax Bill

Texas requires school districts to give a homestead exemption of $140,000 on a primary residence. That means $140,000 is subtracted from the appraised value before the school tax rate is applied. Other taxing units — like the county — can add their own exemptions on top of that.

To get the exemption, you file Form 50-114 with the Duval County Appraisal District. You must own the home and live in it as your main address. There are also extra exemptions for people who are 65 or older or who have a disability. The general filing deadline is April 30 for most exemptions, but verify the current deadline with the appraisal district at duvalcad.org.