How much is the Homestead Exemption in Houston?

How much is the homestead exemption in Houston?

Homeowners in Houston get $100,000 general homestead exemption from their school district. Harris County also provides a 20% homestead exemption. Other taxing units in the county offer a minimum of $5,000 exemption, upto 20%. If your ISD tax rate is 1.3%, then you save $520 on school district taxes. Similar savings are available from other taxing units. In addition, if you are over 65 years of age or disabled, you get an extra $10,000 off i.e, your general homestead exemption will be $50,000. Other taxing units may also offer you specific exemptions. You can check your applicable exemptions on Harris County Appraisal District's property search page. Scroll to the
"Exemptions and Jurisdictions" section. Here is an example:

If you are a disabled vet, then your eligible for veteran's exemption. Your homestead exemption will be determined based on the percentage of your disability.

How do I file for homestead exemption in Houston TX?

If you are new homeowner in Harris County, you have three options to apply for your homestead exemption:

1. HCAD's mobile app - Download and apply for FREE. Submit your application along with images of your Texas Driving License.
2. Online on HCAD's website - Submit your application along with scanned copy of your Texas DL online.
3. Print out Form 50-114 and mail it to the Harris County Appraisal District, along with a copy of your Texas Driver's License.

HCAD's mailing address is available on their contact page. If you have any questions, you can also call them up. Submitting a homestead exemption application is easy and FREE! DO NOT PAY ANYONE to apply for your homestead exemption. If you recently moved in, be sure to have the address on your Texas DL updated to your new address. The address on your Texas DL should match the property address for which you are claiming homestead exemption.

What homestead exemptions are available in Harris County, Texas?

• School District: Homeowners can receive a $100,000 exemption on their appraisal value for school taxes.
• Harris County: Harris County provides a 20% exemption on your appraised value.
• Age and disability: If you are over 65 or disabled, then you get an additional $10,000 on your general homestead exemption. Older or disabled residents do not have to own their own homes on Jan. 1 to qualify for this exemption and become eligible as soon as they turn 65 or become disabled.
• Veteran's exemption: If you suffered a service related disability, you will be eligible for veteran's exemption.
• Harris County Flood Control offers a 20% exemption on your appraised value.
• Port of Houston Authority, Harris County Hospital district and Harris County Education Department each offer a 20% exemption.
• Lone Star College offers $5,000 exemption.
• MUD: Your regional MUD may offer a minimum of $5,000 upto 20% off on your appraised value.
• Some Emergency Services Districts may also offer an exemption.
• Surviving spouses of U.S. Armed Service members fatally injured or killed in the line of duty are allowed a 100% exemption on their residence homestead, if they do not re-marry.
• Surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty are allowed a 100% property tax exemption on their residence homestead if they have not remarried.

When is the last date to apply for homestead exemption in Harris County?

Effective January 1st 2022, new homeowners in Texas can apply for homestead exemption in the first year itself. Senate Bill 8 allows homeowners to file for homestead exemptions in the same year they purchase their property, instead of having to wait for the exemption to take place the following year. In case you forgot to apply for your homestead exemption after the first year, you can apply for a late homestead application and claim homestead exemption retroactively for upto two years.

If you already have a general homestead exemption, and you turn 65 or become disabled through the year, you can claim the additional exemption for the entire year by re-applying. You have upto one year from the date you qualify to apply for the additional over 65 or disabled exemption.

How to check homestead exemption status in Houston?

You can check your homestead exemption status on Harris County appraisal district's website. Search for your property and open your property details page. You should see your homestead exemption status on the property details page. Here is an example:

What is the homestead exemption in Cypress, Texas?

• Cypress-Fairbanks ISD gives resident homeowners an extra 20% exemption on top of the standard $100,000 homestead exemption.
• Harris county, Harris county flood control, Port of Houston Authority, Harris county hospital district and Harris county education department provide the standard $100,000 off your appraised value.
• Lone star college system lets homeowners take $5,000 off their appraised value.
• Harris County Emergency Services districts give an exemption of 5%.