Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Tax Bill

Texas law requires school districts to give homeowners a $140,000 exemption on their main home. That means $140,000 of your home's value is not taxed by the school district. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who have a disability, can get an extra $60,000 off on top of that.

You apply with the Sabine County Appraisal District, not the tax office. The general filing deadline is before May 1, but check with the appraisal district for the exact date. The appraisal district phone is 409-787-2777. The Texas Comptroller's exemptions page explains the full rules.