Homestead exemption can lower your tax bill in Falls County

Texas law requires school districts to give homeowners a $140,000 exemption on a residence homestead. That means the school tax is calculated on a lower value than your home is actually worth. Other local taxing units — like the county — can offer additional exemptions on top of that.

To qualify, the home must be your main residence and you must have an ownership interest in it. You apply with the Falls County Appraisal District, not the tax collector. The general filing deadline is before May 1, but check with the CAD for the current year's date. Once approved, the exemption usually renews automatically. First-time Texas homeowners often miss this step, so file as soon as you move in.