Filing a homestead exemption caps how fast your tax value can rise

Texas law caps how much the taxable value of your home can rise each year — but only if you have a homestead exemption on file. With the exemption, the cap is 10 percent per year. Without it, there is no cap, and a big market jump can push your bill up sharply. State law also requires school districts to give a $140,000 exemption on your home's value.

You file the exemption form with the Leon Central Appraisal District in Centerville, not the tax office. You must own and live in the home on January 1 of the tax year. Download the form at leoncad.org, or pick it up at 141 W. Saint Marys St. You only file once. Check the appraisal district website for current deadlines and amounts, since those can change.