Texas Homestead Exemption FAQs: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026

Did you purchase a new home recently, or are you planning to buy one in 2026? If the property is your primary residence, you may qualify for a Texas homestead exemption that can help lower your property taxes!

A homestead exemption is one of the easiest ways for eligible Texas homeowners to save on property taxes, but many people aren't sure how it works, when to apply, or what paperwork they need.

We've answered the most frequently asked questions to help you understand the Texas homestead exemption and how to get started.

What is a homestead exemption?

A homestead exemption reduces the portion of your home's appraised value that is subject to property taxes. Depending on the exemptions available to you and your local taxing units, this can lower your annual property tax bill.

Important for 2026: Texas homeowners who qualify for the general residence homestead exemption receive a $140,000 exemption from school district taxes. Additional exemptions may be available depending on your age, disability status, military service, and local tax rules.

For example, if your home has an appraised value of $300,000, the $140,000 school district exemption means you would generally pay school district taxes on $160,000 of value before any other applicable exemptions. Other taxing units may have different exemption amounts.

Who qualifies for a homestead exemption?

To qualify for the general Texas residence homestead exemption, you must generally:

• Own an interest in the property.
• Use the property as your principal residence.
• Meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
• Not claim a residence homestead exemption on another property in Texas or another state.

You do not have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify. If you've purchased a new home and made it your primary residence, you may be eligible to apply.

What types of properties qualify?

Eligible residence homesteads can include:

• A single-family house.
• A condominium.
• A manufactured home, provided it meets the applicable ownership and eligibility requirements.

The exemption may also cover qualifying land associated with your residence. Generally, up to 20 acres may qualify when the land is owned by the homeowner and used for residential purposes related to the home.

Not every property or parcel automatically qualifies, so check with your county appraisal district if you own additional land.

When can I apply for the homestead exemption in 2026?

The general deadline to apply is April 30 of the tax year for which you're seeking the exemption.

However, you do not necessarily have to wait until the following January after buying a home. Under Texas law, eligible homeowners who acquire a property after January 1 may qualify for a prorated exemption for the applicable portion of that tax year, provided the previous owner did not receive the same exemption for that year.

If you purchased a home during 2026, contact your county appraisal district to determine your eligibility and the correct filing procedure.

If you missed the usual deadline, don't assume you've lost your opportunity. Texas law allows qualifying homeowners to submit certain late homestead applications, generally up to two years after the delinquency date for the taxes on the property.

What documents do I need to apply?

Most applicants will need to complete a Residence Homestead Exemption Application (Texas Comptroller Form 50-114).

You will generally need:

• Your completed application.
• A copy of your Texas driver's license or state-issued personal identification certificate showing the address of the property for which you're applying.

Certain applicants may qualify for an exception to the identification requirements or need additional documentation. For example, inherited properties and certain special exemptions may require supporting affidavits or other records.

If you're applying for an age 65 or older, disability, or disabled veteran exemption, additional information may be necessary to establish eligibility.

Your county appraisal district can confirm exactly what you need to submit.

Do I need to pay someone to file my homestead exemption?

No! You can generally apply for your Texas homestead exemption directly through your county appraisal district without paying a third party.

You may receive mailers or advertisements offering to file your exemption for a fee. These services are not generally necessary because the application is available through official appraisal district resources.

Save your money and start with your county's official website. Follow its instructions for submitting your application online, by mail, or through another accepted method.

How often do I need to file for a homestead exemption?

In most cases, you only need to apply once for your qualifying residence homestead. You generally do not have to submit a new application every year unless the appraisal district requests one or your circumstances require additional documentation.

If you move and purchase another home, you will need to apply for the exemption on your new primary residence.

Remember to notify the appropriate appraisal district if your ownership, residence, or eligibility changes.

What other homestead exemptions are available?

In addition to the general residence homestead exemption, eligible homeowners may qualify for other property tax benefits.

Homeowners age 65 or older: Texas provides an additional $60,000 school district residence homestead exemption for eligible homeowners age 65 or older. Additional local exemptions may also be available. Qualifying homeowners may receive other protections, including a school district tax ceiling.

Homeowners with disabilities: Eligible homeowners may qualify for an additional $60,000 school district exemption and other applicable benefits. Eligibility is based on the relevant legal definition of disability.

Disabled veterans: Texas offers property tax exemptions based on qualifying military service and disability ratings. Certain eligible veterans may qualify for a partial exemption, while veterans with a qualifying 100% disability rating or individual unemployability status may qualify for a full residence homestead exemption.

Because eligibility and documentation vary, contact your county appraisal district to learn which exemptions apply to your situation.

What's new for 2026?

Texas homestead exemption amounts have increased in recent years, so it's important to use current information when planning your property taxes.

For the 2026 tax year:

• The general school district residence homestead exemption is $140,000.
• Eligible homeowners age 65 or older or with qualifying disabilities receive an additional $60,000 school district exemption.
• Qualifying homeowners who purchase a home after January 1 may be eligible for a prorated exemption for the applicable portion of the year if the previous owner did not receive the same exemption for that year.
• Local taxing units may offer additional exemptions, so the total savings will vary depending on where you live.

For the most accurate information, consult the Texas Comptroller's official property tax exemption information.

Where can I apply for a homestead exemption?

If your home is located in Navarro, Freestone, or Ellis County, use the official appraisal district resources below to get started.

Navarro County

Visit the Navarro Central Appraisal District Forms page to access the homestead exemption application and submission instructions.

Freestone County

Visit the Freestone County Appraisal District Forms page to find the homestead exemption application and other property tax forms.

Ellis County

Visit the Ellis Appraisal District website for property tax resources and current filing information.

Don't leave money on the table!

If your home is your primary residence, taking a few minutes to check your eligibility and file your homestead exemption application could help you save on property taxes.

Don't pay a third party before checking the free resources available through your county appraisal district. Start with the official website for your county, gather the required documents, and submit your application as soon as you're eligible.

Have questions about buying a home in Texas or getting settled into your new property? We're here to help make the process a little easier!