Texas Porch

Homestead Exemption

The Homestead Exemption Lowers Your School Tax Bill

Texas law requires school districts to take $140,000 off the appraised value of your primary home before calculating your school tax.

If you own and live in your home as your main residence, you qualify for a homestead exemption. For school taxes, state law requires a $140,000 reduction in your home's taxable value. That can save several hundred dollars a year depending on the school district's rate.

Homeowners 65 or older (or those who are disabled) get an extra $60,000 off on top of the standard exemption. You apply at the Lamar County Appraisal District with a copy of your driver's license. The general deadline to apply is May 1 of the tax year, but check lamarcad.org for the current calendar. Local taxing units may also offer their own additional exemptions.

Source to confirm: Texas Comptroller — Property Tax Exemptions

More Lamar County notes