Property tax exemptions help ensure you are paying the least amount of tax possible. Five of the most common exemptions and their qualifications are below.
Click the name of each exemption to see details of how to qualify and apply. For a comprehensive list of exemptions, and to apply, please visit your county appraisal district’s website.
To qualify for a Homestead Exemption, you must meet the following requirements:
1. The home’s owner must be an individual listed on the title (trusts are acceptable, but not a corporation, LLC, or other business entity).
2. The home must be used as your personal primary residence.
3. The property address must match the address on your driver’s license or state issued ID.
4. The homestead can include up to 20 acres if the land is owned by the homeowner and used for a purpose related to the residential use of the homestead.
Items needed to apply:
- A driver’s license with address matching the property address.
- If the property is listed under a trust, additional trust documents will be required to prove ownership.
Homeowners become eligible for the over 65 exemption in the year they turn age 65. To qualify for this exemption, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Turn 65 in the tax year
-For example, if you turn 65 on November 12th, you may apply for the exemption on January 1st of that year.
–If there are multiple people living in the property, the person aged 65 or above must be listed on the deed in order to qualify.
2. Submit an application with proof of age. Acceptable proof includes a copy of the front side of your Texas driver’s license or Texas identification card.
If a homeowner claiming this exemption passes away and their spouse is 55 or older and continues to own the home, the spouse can continue to hold the exemptions and tax ceiling on the property. Surviving spouses must provide proof of age of the survivor and proof of death of the deceased spouse.
Items needed to apply:
- A driver’s license with address matching the property address or Texas identification card
- Proof of death (if applying as a surviving spouse)
- If the property is listed under a trust, additional trust documents will be required to prove ownership.
To quality for this exemption, you must:
1. Own the property as of January 1st of the tax year
2. The installation or construction of solar and wind powered energy devices must be primarily for the production and distribution of energy for on-site use.
Items needed to apply:
- Proof of solar or wind-powered energy devices
To qualify for this exemption, you must:
- Meet the Social Security Administration’s standards for disability, even if you are not receiving disability benefits.
-If a homeowner claiming this exemption passes away and their spouse is 55 or older and continues to own the home, the spouse can continue to hold the exemptions and tax ceiling on the property.
Items needed to apply:
- Proof of disability
- If the property is listed under a trust, additional trust documents will be required to prove ownership.
To qualify for this exemption, you must:
1. Be a veteran
2. Be a Texas resident
3. Be classified as disabled with a service-connected disability of 10% or more by your service branch or the Veterans Administration.
Items needed to apply:
- If the property is listed under a trust, additional trust documents will be required to prove ownership.
Please keep in mind that this document does not include all possible exemptions. Please reference your county appraisal district’s website below for a complete list of exemptions.
