Texas Porch

Homestead

The school homestead exemption is now $140,000

For a qualifying residence homestead, the school-tax taxable value starts much lower than market value.

Texas gives a mandatory school district residence homestead exemption. As reviewed in June 2026, the Comptroller lists the general school exemption at $140,000.

That does not wipe out every local tax. The school part and the city, county, MUD, PID, hospital, college, and other local parts can use different exemptions.

File with the county appraisal district. Do not assume the title company, lender, or previous owner handles it for you.

Source to confirm: Texas Comptroller property tax exemptions

What to check next

Property tax

Texas does not have a state property tax

The bill is local, but the rules are state-shaped.

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Appeals

The protest deadline is usually May 15 or 30 days after notice

The deadline is easy to miss because it is tied to the appraisal notice.

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Appraisal

Texas appraisal value is generally a Jan. 1 snapshot

The value date is not the day you get the notice.

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Local districts

MUDs and PIDs can change the monthly feel of a house

A newer subdivision can carry extra district taxes or assessments.

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