Homestead Exemptions

What is a Homestead Law?

In popular usage, a homestead is a family home. In law, the term refers to the special protection given to the home of a family or a single adult from the owner’s creditors, the right of occupancy given to a surviving spouse, minor children, and unmarried children of a deceased owner, and favorable tax treatment accorded to the owner. These concepts, however, developed independently. The homestead exemption, as a protection from creditors is termed, is the most important aspect of homestead law. Many Americans who settled in Texas in the early nineteenth century were pursued by their creditors, and for their protection, Stephen F. Austin recommended a moratorium on the collection of the colonists’ foreign debts.

How do I know if I qualify for a Homestead Exemption?

General Homestead Exemptions Information: Click here to find if you qualify for Homestead Exemptions and what kind of exemptions are available to all homeowners.

Homestead Exemptions for Homeowners Age 65 and Over or with Disabilities: Click here to read about exemptions, limitations and special instructions for homeowners age 65 and over and for homeowners with disabilities

Homestead Exemptions for Disabled Veteran Homeowners: Click here to read about exemptions, limitations and special instructions for disabled veteran homeowners

How do I apply for a Homestead Exemption?

In order to qualify for a residential homestead exemption you must provide:

1. A Homestead Exemption application

2. A copy of the applicants Texas driver’s license or Texas ID Card

Below are the links or phone numbers to download or request the Homestead Exemption forms that apply to all homeowners, those over 65, the disabled, disabled veterans, and surviving spouses.

Travis County residents  https://www.traviscad.org/forms/forms-exemptions/

Travis County residents can submit a signed pdf form via email at tax_info@tcadcentral.org.

Hays County  residents https://www.hayscad.com/property-tax-benefits-and-information/

Bastrop County residents https://www.bastropcad.org/homestead-exemptions/

Williamson County residents https://www.wcad.org/online-exemption-information/

Williamson County residents also have the option of submitting an online exemption form. Click here.

Caldwell County residents http://www.caldwellcad.org/index.php/Forms

What else do I need to know?

  • New Homeowners ALERT – The address on your drivers license or state ID card must match the physical address of the residence that you are applying. So if you have not changed your address since you moved into your new home you will need to visit a TXDMV office OR visit their online change of address site @ http://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/change-address.php
  • Filing dates - Homestead Exemption Forms need to be submitted between Jan 01 and Apr 30 of the year in which are filing.
  • Fees - There is no fee to file for a Homestead Exemption! If you receive an email or message suggesting otherwise, make sure you contact your tax or real estate professional.