Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Tax Bill

A homestead exemption cuts the value the tax office uses to figure your bill. Texas school districts must give every homeowner a $140,000 exemption on their main home. Homeowners age 65 or older get an extra $60,000 school-district exemption. People with a qualifying disability get the same extra exemption.

The county and city may also offer their own exemptions on top of that. You apply one time at the Hopkins County Appraisal District. That is the local office that sets property values — it is separate from the tax office that sends your bill. The usual deadline is before May 1. Check with the appraisal district for the exact current deadline. You must own the home and live in it as your main residence. The Texas Comptroller's exemptions page lists every qualifying category.