Time to File Your Homestead Exemptions

Did you buy a home last year? Awesome!! Between Jan 1,2017 – April 30, 2017 you can file your Exemptions. (homestead, over 65, disabled veteran, etc.). Williamson County can be done online (yay!) at wcad.org. If you bought in Travis County, you need to print the forms and mail.

It is free to file your property tax homestead exemption, so if you get mail from anyone trying to bill you to file, chuck it. Need help or have a question? Just give us a call and we will talk you through it.

What is a Homestead Exemption?

Homestead exemptions are granted by the county appraisal district where the property is located. The exemption reduces a homeowner’s property tax bill by removing part of the home's value from taxation. All Texas homeowners may receive a General Residence Homestead Exemption of $25,000 on the value of their property for school taxes. Other taxing entities may also offer exemptions of some percentage of the home’s value. Other exemptions are available to homeowners who are over 65 or disabled, and require the same application process.

Who qualifies? These requirements must be met to receive the exemption:

1. You must own your home on January 1st of the year for which you are applying. (If you are over 65 and/or disabled, January 1st ownership and residency are not required.)

2. You must reside at the home as your principal residence on January 1st of that year, and not claim any other property as homestead.

3. Only individual homeowners (not corporations or other entities) may receive a homestead exemption.

4. A homestead can be a house, condominium or a manufactured home. It can include up to 20 acres, if the land is also owned by the homeowner and used as a yard, or for another purpose related to the residential use of the home.

5. You must apply between January 1st and April 30th of the year for which you want the exemption