Homestead exemption lowers your school tax bill

Texas law requires school districts to give homeowners a $140,000 exemption on a residence homestead. That means the school district only taxes the value above that threshold. Henderson County taxing units may offer an additional exemption of up to 20 percent of the home's value.

You apply at the Henderson County Appraisal District, not the tax office. The application is Texas Comptroller Form 50-114. You must own the home and use it as your main address. The general deadline is before May 1 of the tax year, but check the appraisal district directly for the current deadline. You cannot claim this exemption on more than one home.