Homestead Exemption

The Homestead Exemption Cuts Your School Taxes

Texas law requires school districts to exempt $140,000 of your home's value from school property taxes if you qualify.

Texas law requires school districts to knock $140,000 off the taxable value of your home. That is called the homestead exemption. If your home is appraised at $300,000 and you qualify, the school district taxes you as if it were worth only $160,000. That saves you real money each year.

To qualify, the home must be your main residence. You file a one-time application with the Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD). DCAD is the office that sets your home's value. The general deadline is before May 1. Check dcad.org for the current form and any updates to the rules.

Source to confirm: Texas Comptroller – Property Tax Exemptions

More Dallas County notes

Property Tax Basics

Who Appraises Your Property in Dallas County

The Dallas Central Appraisal District sets the value of your property each year, and that value drives your tax bill.

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Age 65 / Disability Exemption

Extra Tax Break for Seniors and Disabled Homeowners

If you are 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability, you get an additional $60,000 off your home's school-taxable value.

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Veteran Exemption

Veterans with Disabilities Get a Property Tax Break

Texas gives disabled veterans a property tax exemption based on their VA disability rating.

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Protest / ARB

You Can Fight Your Appraisal Every Year

If you disagree with DCAD's value of your property, you have the right to protest before an Appraisal Review Board.

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