Homestead Exemption

File a homestead exemption to lower your property tax bill

Texas law lets homeowners who live in their home claim a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of the property.

Ellis County Money & Taxes

If you own a home in Ellis County and it is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption. State law requires school districts to give you at least a $140,000 reduction in your home's taxable value. Other local taxing units may offer additional reductions.

You apply using Texas Comptroller Form 50-114. The general deadline is before May 1 of the tax year, but check with the Ellis County Appraisal District for the current cutoff. You only need to file once; the exemption stays until your status changes. The application is free.

Source to confirm: Texas Comptroller — Residence Homestead Exemptions

More Ellis County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two different offices handle your property tax in Ellis County

The Ellis County Appraisal District sets your property value, but a separate Tax Assessor-Collector office sends the bill and collects the money.

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Ag Valuation

Farm and ranch land can be taxed on productivity, not market value

In Ellis County, qualifying farm or ranch land is taxed on what it can produce, not what it could sell for. That can cut the tax bill by a lot.

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Vehicle Registration

Ellis County vehicles need an emissions test every year

Ellis County is in the DFW area, so most gas-powered vehicles must pass an emissions test every year before the owner can renew registration.

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Septic Systems

You need a permit before installing a septic system in Ellis County

Homes outside city sewer service areas need an on-site sewage system, and Ellis County adopted its own rules for permitting and inspecting those systems.

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