Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Lowers Your Property Tax Bill

If this home is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption that reduces your taxable value.

A homestead exemption cuts the value your property is taxed on. You must live in the home as your main residence on January 1 of the tax year. File the application with Polk Central Appraisal District at 114 Matthews St., Livingston. The general filing deadline is May 1, but check the appraisal district directly for the current year's deadline.

Homeowners 65 and older can qualify for a school tax freeze. That freezes your school district tax at the level set in the first year you qualify. A 10 percent annual cap on value increases also applies once you have the homestead exemption. Check polkcad.org for current forms and deadlines.

Source to confirm: Texas Comptroller — Property Tax Exemptions

More Polk County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Different Offices Handle Your Property Tax

In Polk County, one office sets your property value and a separate office collects the tax you owe.

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Agricultural Valuation

Farmland and Timberland Can Be Taxed at a Lower Value

Land used for farming, ranching, or timber production may qualify for a special appraisal based on what it produces, not what it would sell for.

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Groundwater & Wells

You Need a Permit Before Drilling a Water Well

Polk County is in the Lower Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, which requires you to register a new well before you drill.

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Septic / OSSF

Septic Systems Require a County Permit

Most rural properties in Polk County are not on a public sewer, so a new septic system needs a county on-site sewage permit before installation.

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