If you purchased a home in 2020 (or purchased a home that you’ve never filed an exemption for) it’s time to file your homestead exemption! A homestead exemption can provide significant savings on your annual property taxes. The deadline to file is April 30, so don’t miss out! The amount of savings varies depending on the city, county and local taxing entities.
You’re eligible for a homestead exemption if you own your home and occupy it as your primary residence. You cannot homestead a vacation home or investment property.
HOW TO FILE YOUR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
To apply for a homestead exemption, you need to submit an application with your county appraisal district. Some districts accept applications online, and some require you to mail in the application. Links to area appraisal district websites are included below.
Filing an application is free and only needs to be filed once. Homeowners often receive mailers from companies who claim that you must pay them a fee and have them file your homestead exemption on your behalf. This is false and you can easily file your own exemption.
To complete the homestead exemption application, you’ll need the legal description of your property. You can find the legal description by searching for your address on your appraisal district’s website. If you need assistance locating the legal description or any information required on the application, you can email us at [email protected] with your property address. You’ll also need to provide a copy of your driver’s license. The address on your driver’s license is required to match the address of the property you are filing the exemption for.
ADDITIONAL EXEMPTIONS
In addition to a general residence homestead exemption, homeowners may also qualify for the following exemptions.
Over 65 Exemption: For homeowners who are aged 65 or older. School taxes will be frozen at the current rate and will not increase until the home is no longer your primary residence.
Disability Exemption: For homeowners who have a disability that qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits.
Veteran Exemption: For veterans who have a disability, their spouses and and survivors of military personnel killed on active duty. The amount of the exemption depends on the percentage of service-connected disability. 100% disabled equals 100% exemption.
APPRAISAL DISTRICT WEBSITES
Chambers County: http://chamberscad.org/
Harris County: https://hcad.org/ You can now electronically file your residential homestead exemption online utilizing the HCAD Mobile App.
Brazoria County: https://www.brazoriacad.org/ You can electronically file your residential homestead exemption online.
Fort Bend County: https://www.fbcad.org/ You can electronically file your residential homestead exemption online.
Galveston County: http://www.galvestoncad.org/ You can electronically file your residential homestead exemption online.
Montgomery County: https://mcad-tx.org/ You can electronically file your residential homestead exemption online.
Liberty County: https://www.libertycad.com/ You can electronically file your residential homestead exemption online.
If you have any questions about filing your exemption, we are happy to help! Just send us an email at info(at)origenrealty(dotted)com or give us a call at 281.691.6177.