Dallas County Homestead Exemption (2026 Update)
By Harsha N Hegde
Dallas County homestead exemption overview
Last year, Texas voters approved an increase to the school district homestead exemption. As of 2025, Dallas County homeowners receive:
• $140,000 school district general homestead exemption
• 20% exemption from the City of Dallas
• 20% exemption from Dallas County
• 20% exemption from Dallas College
• 20% exemption from Parkland Hospital District
• Additional $60,000 exemption if you are over 65 or disabled
Most other cities and taxing units inside Dallas County also offer a 20% exemption. This is one of the most generous county-wide packages in Texas.
Note: Dallas CAD’s official website has outdated information (as on April 8th 2026). It says homestead exemption is $25,000. That was true 8 years ago! Also senior exemption was raised to $60,000 in 2025.
How much will you save?
Your savings depend on your school district and its tax rate. Here are examples using a $140,000 exemption only from the ISD.
| School District | Rate (approx.) | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas ISD | 1.24% | $1,736 |
| Richardson ISD | 1.16% | $1,624 |
| Garland ISD | 1.31% | $1,834 |
On top of this, you save another 20% from each of the other taxing units.
Who qualifies for the homestead exemption in Dallas County?
To qualify:
• The home must be your principal residence
• You must live in the home as of January 1
• Your Texas driver’s license must show the same address
• You cannot claim a homestead anywhere else in Texas or any other state
Beginning in 2022, you can apply as soon as you move in and update your Texas DL. If it’s a new build or the previous owner didn’t have any exemptions, then you may be eligible for a prorated exemption for the remainder of the year.
How to apply for a homestead exemption in Dallas County
You have three options.
Method 1: Apply online through Dallas CAD (recommended)
Dallas CAD now supports online homestead applications. Here is your guide to dallas county homestead exemption online application:
- Go to the Dallas CAD website: https://www.dallascad.org/
- Click Search Appraisals and look up your property by address, owner name or account number
- Open your property details page
- Click “File Homestead Exemption Online”
- Complete the online form and upload your Texas DL and supporting documents
Method 2: Print the homestead exemption form from your account page
- Search for your property on the DCAD website
- Open the property details page
- Click “Print Homestead Exemption Form” to download a pre-filled PDF
- Print, sign and attach copies of your Texas DL and other documents
- Mail the form or deliver it to the DCAD office
Follow our detailed instructions on filling the form correctly.
Method 3: Use the statewide form 50-114
You can also use the Texas Comptroller’s standard form:
https://comptroller.texas.gov/forms/50-114.pdf
Submit it to DCAD with copies of your ID and supporting documents.
When is the deadline for Dallas homestead exemption?
The deadline is April 30 each year. If you just moved in, you can apply as soon as you update your Texas DL. If you forgot to apply, you can file retroactively for up to two years
How to check your Dallas County homestead exemption status?
- Go to the DCAD property search page: https://www.dallascad.org/SearchAddr.aspx
- Search by address, account number, or owner name
- Open your property record
- Scroll to the “Exemptions” section
- You should see “Homestead” and any additional exemptions for age 65 or disability
Clicking on “Exemption Details” shows the the complete details for your exemptions:
You can further click on the “Exemption Details History” hyperlink to get a year-by-year view of the exemptions! This level of exemption detail is quite good!
What documents are required?
• Texas driver’s license with the home address
• If recently purchased: closing disclosure or deed
• If the name differs: marriage certificate, divorce decree, or trust documents
• If over 65 or disabled: proof of age or SSA disability letter
Dallas County homestead exemption checklist
• Texas DL updated to the homestead address
• You occupy the home as your primary residence
• No other homestead claimed anywhere
• Supporting documents ready
• Submit online or send form 50-114
FAQs
Can I apply without a Texas driver’s license?
No. Texas law requires your DL address to match the property address. A passport or out-of-state DL is not acceptable.
Do I have to reapply every year?
No. Homestead exemptions automatically continue unless you move or the CAD requests proof of residency.
What happens if I move to another home in Dallas County?
Your old homestead must be removed. You can file a new homestead for your new home as soon as you move in and update your DL.
Can I get the exemption on a second home?
No. Only one homestead exemption is allowed per family unit.
How long does Dallas CAD take to approve my exemption?
Most approvals happen within 4–8 weeks. It may take longer during peak season (January–May).
How much is the Dallas county homestead exemption amount?
Dallas county homestead exemption amount is $140,000. If you are a senior or disabled, you get an additional $60,000, taking your total exemption to $200,000.
About the Author
Harsha N Hegde is the founder of squaredeal.tax, a DIY platform that helps Texas homeowners protest unfair property tax assessments. He has helped thousands of Texas homeowners save money using comps-based evidence and practical guidance.
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