Texas Porch

Homestead Exemption

You Can Lower Your School Tax Bill With a Homestead Exemption

If your home is your main residence, Texas law lets you cut the taxable value — and your school tax bill — with a homestead exemption.

Own and live in your home as your main residence? You can apply for a general homestead exemption. Texas law requires school districts to take $140,000 off your home's appraised value before calculating school taxes. That directly lowers your bill.

Extra exemptions are available too. If you are 65 or older, have a disability, or are a surviving spouse, you may qualify for more savings.

You file the application with the Hartley County Appraisal District — not the tax office. The usual deadline is May 1 of the tax year. Late applications are sometimes accepted. Apply once and you are done. The exemption stays as long as you still qualify. Check the appraisal district site for the current form and any local exemption amounts.

Source to confirm: Texas Comptroller — Property Tax Exemptions

More Hartley County notes