Homestead Exemption

How to claim a homestead exemption in Denton County

Filing a homestead exemption with DCAD can lower your taxable property value if you live in the home you own.

If you own and live in your home as your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption. Under Texas Tax Code Section 11.13, the key test is that you owned and occupied the home on January 1 of the tax year. The exemption lowers the value used to calculate your tax bill. School districts must provide a $140,000 exemption on a residence homestead (Tax Code 11.13(b)).

File the application with the Denton Central Appraisal District, not the tax office. You generally do not need to reapply every year once approved. DCAD does internal audits and may ask some owners to verify. Check dentoncad.com for the current form and any deadline details, since deadlines can change.

Source to confirm: Texas Comptroller — Residence Homestead Exemption

More Denton County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property taxes in Denton County

The Denton Central Appraisal District sets your property value; the county Tax Assessor-Collector sends the bill.

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Ag Valuation

Farm and ranch land can be taxed on what it produces, not what it sells for

Qualifying agricultural land in Denton County is appraised at its farming productivity value, which is usually much lower than market value.

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Appraisal Protest

You can protest your Denton County appraisal if you think it is too high

Denton County property owners have the right to protest their appraised value each year through the Denton Central Appraisal District.

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Special Districts

Many Denton County homes sit inside special districts that add extra taxes

Municipal Utility Districts and Public Improvement Districts in Denton County can add significant tax charges on top of county and city taxes.

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