Cut Your Property Tax Bill with a Homestead Exemption

A homestead exemption reduces the portion of your home's value that gets taxed. To qualify, you must own the home and live in it as your main address. You must file an application with the Houston County Appraisal District. You also need to attach a copy of your driver's license, and the address on that license must match your home's address.

State law requires school districts to give a $140,000 exemption on a homestead. Other local taxing units may add their own exemptions on top of that. File with the appraisal district at houstoncad.org. Check the site or call 936-544-9655 for current deadlines, since deadlines can shift.