2026 Texas Homestead Exemption Guide for Homeowners

A homestead property tax exemption provides a tax break for eligible homeowners by reducing the taxable value of your home. For example, if your home is valued at $300,000 and you have a 25% homestead exemption, you would only be taxed on $225,000.

The exact exemption amount can vary depending on your county, city, or local government.

Who is eligible for a Homestead Exemption? 

You may qualify for a homestead exemption if you own the property and it is your primary residence. It can also include up to 20 acres of land.

Homestead exemptions do not apply to second homes, vacation homes, or commercial properties.

Homestead 10% Cap

Besides tax savings, a homestead exemption also gives you extra protections. One of the biggest is a 10% cap on how much your home’s taxable value can increase each year.

This can be especially helpful in fast-growing areas where home prices are rising quickly. It may even keep your assessed value below market value.

Keep in mind, the 10% cap applies to value increases, not home improvements, which can still raise your assessment.

Also, while your appraised value is capped, tax rates can still change each year depending on each taxing entity’s budget needs. Your final tax bill reflects both your home value and the tax rates.

What types of Homestead Exemptions Are Available? 

There are several types of exemptions a homeowner may be eligible to receive:

• General Residence Homestead (School Districts): The school district homestead exemption is now $140,000, increased from $100,000 in 2023 after approval in November 2025. To qualify, the home must be your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year.

• New County and JPS Health Network Exemptions: For 2025, Tarrant County added a 10% homestead exemption for both the county and JPS Health Network taxes, the first time these have been offered. This is in addition to the school district exemption and can provide additional savings.

• Age 65 or older and disabled: Homeowners who are 65 or older or have a qualifying disability get an extra $60,000 off their school district taxable value, for a total of $200,000 in exemptions. They also receive a tax ceiling, meaning their school district taxes will not increase as long as they own the home.
  
• Disabled Veterans: To qualify for this exemption, you must be classified as disabled by your branch of the military or the Veterans Administration. The amount of the exemption depends on your VA disability rating. For example, a 10% to 29% disability rating may qualify for a $5,000 property tax reduction, while a 100% disability rating may qualify for a full property tax exemption.
• Surviving Spouses: If you are the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran, first responder, or member of the armed forces who was killed in the line of duty, you may qualify for an additional exemption.

How to file a Property Tax Exemption in Texas

What is the deadline to complete a homestead exemption application?

You have between January 1 and April 30 to apply for various exemptions To have them applied to the current tax year. This means if you want to get a reduction on the tax bill coming in the fall, you need to file by April 30. You can still apply after this date, but it will apply to future tax bills.

Homestead exemptions can also be applied retroactively for up to two years, as long as you file before the delinquency deadline for that tax year.

For example, to claim an exemption for 2024, you must apply by January 31, 2027. If approved, you may receive a refund for overpaid taxes. You can also apply for current and retroactive exemptions at the same time, as long as it is done by April 30.

Do you qualify for a Homestead Exemption?

Let’s make sure you’re not overpaying on property taxes!

Minteer Real Estate Team is here to help. Our group of experts can guide you, provide advice, and help you understand whether you qualify for a homestead exemption to reduce your taxes.

We can also assist with special exemptions, appraised value questions, and property tax appeals if you feel your property taxes are too high. Contact us today to see how we can help!