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Valuing Property

Each county’s appraisal district determines the value of all taxable property within the county. Before the appraisals begin, the district compiles a list of taxable property. The listing for each property contains a description and the name and address of the owner.

The appraised home value for a homeowner who qualifies his or her homestead for exemptions in the preceding and current year may not increase more than 10 percent per year.

Property Tax Code Section 23.23(a) sets a limit on the appraised value of a residence homestead, stating that its appraised value for a tax year may not exceed the lesser of: (1) the market value of the property; or (2) the sum of: (A) 10 percent of the appraised value of the property for last year; (B) the appraised value of the property for last year; and (C) the market value of all new improvements to the property, excluding a replacement structure for one that was rendered uninhabitable or unusable by a casualty or by mold or water damage. The appraisal limitation first applies in the year after the homeowner qualifies for the homestead exemption.

How is your property valued?

The appraisal district must repeat its appraisal process for property at least once every three years.

To save time and money, the appraisal district uses mass appraisal to appraise large numbers of properties. In a mass appraisal, the district first collects detailed descriptions of each taxable property in the district. It then classifies properties according to a variety of factors, such as size, use and construction type. Using data from recent property sales, the district appraises the value of typical properties in each class. Taking into account differences such as age or location, the district uses “typical” property values to appraise all the properties in each class.

The appraisal district may use three common methods to value property: the market, income and cost approaches. The market approach is most often used and simply asks, “What are properties similar to this property selling for?”

The value of your home is an estimate of the price your home would sell for on Jan. 1. The appraisal district compares your home to similar homes that have sold recently and determines your home’s value.

Other methods are used to appraise types of properties that don’t often sell, such as utility companies and oil leases. The income approach asks, “What would an investor pay in anticipation of future income from the property?” The cost approach asks, “How much would it cost to replace the property with one of equal utility?”

Appraisal Districts by County

Each county’s appraisal district determines the value of all taxable property within the county. Before the appraisals begin, the district compiles a list of taxable property. The listing for each property contains a description and the name and address of the owner.

Certified tax rates released October 2020

Atascosa Countyatascosacad.com | (830) 742-3591

Bastrop Countybastropcad.org | (512) 303-1930

Bexar Countybcad.org | (210) 224-8511

Blanco Countyblancocad.com | (830) 868-4013

Burnet Countyburnet-cad.org | (512) 756-8291

Caldwell Countycaldwellcad.org | (512) 398-5550

Comal Countycomalad.org | (830) 625-8597

Fayette Countyfayettecad.org | (979) 968-8383

Guadalupe Countyguadalupead.org | (830) 303-3313

Hays Countyhayscad.com | (512) 268-2522

Kendall Countykendallad.org | (830) 249-8012

Lampasas Countylampasascad.org | (512) 556-8058

Llano Countyllanocad.net | (325) 247-3065

Medina Countymedinacad.org | (830) 741-3035

Travis Countytraviscad.org | (512) 834-9317

Williamson Countywcad.org | (512) 930-3787

Property Tax Appraisal Districts

Atascosa County atascosacad.com

County JurisdictionAtascosa County 0.480073F.M. Road 0.089381Total County 0.569454

Cities/VillagesCity of Christine 0.444544City of Charlotte 0.352666City of Jourdanton 0.472296City of Lytle 0.348400City of Pleasanton 0.283042City of Poteet 0.821900

School DistrictsISD - Charlotte 1.054700ISD - Jourdanton 1.054700ISD - Karnes 1.054700ISD - Lytle 1.054700ISD - Pleasanton 1.054700ISD - Poteet 1.054484ISD - Somerset 1.012250

MUDS/WCIDsEvergreen Water 0.005500

Bastrop County bastropcad.org

County JurisdictionBastrop County 0.559900

Cities/VillagesCity of Bastrop 0.579400City of Elgin 0.635663City of Smithville 0.549061

Emergency Services/SpecialBastrop ESD #1 0.100000Bastrop ESD #2 0.098520Bastrop-Travis ESD 0.100000

School DistrictsISD - Bastrop 1.321000ISD - Elgin 1.460700ISD - Lexington 1.146800ISD - McDade 0.997570ISD - Smithville 1.310300Austin Community College 0.105800

MUDs/WCIDsBastrop MUD 1 (Colovista) 0.863600The Colony MUD 1A 0.850000The Colony MUD 1B 0.850000The Colony MUD 1D 0.850000The Colony MUD 1E 0.850000The Colony MUD 1F 0.850000West Bastrop Village MUD 1.000000WCID #3 0.408400WCID #3-Defined Area 0.408400

Bexar County bcad.org

County JurisdictionBexar County 0.277429

Cities/VillagesCity of San Antonio 0.558270City of Alamo Heights 0.386439

City of Balcones Heights 0.583000City of Castle Hills 0.516038City of China Grove 0.195345City of Converse 0.502252City of Elmendorf 0.461289City of Fair Oaks Ranch 0.373500City of Grey Forest 0.088441City of Helotes 0.346524City of Hill Country Village 0.145000City of Hollywood Park 0.480291City of Kirby 0.698942City of Leon Valley 0.535904City of Live Oak 0.412217City of Olmos Park 0.419768City of Sandy Oaks 0.291976City of Shavano Park 0.287742City of Somerset 0.756719City of St. Hedwig 0.463578City of Terrell Hills 0.365000City of Universal City 0.585062City of Von Ormy 0.000000City of Windcrest 0.409494

Emergency Services/SpecialEmergency Service Dist #1 0.100000Emergency Service Dist #2 0.099546Emergency Service Dist #3 0.074238Emergency Service Dist #4 0.053000Emergency Service Dist #5 0.100000Emergency Service Dist #6 0.100000Emergency Service Dist #7 0.096503Emergency Service Dist #8 0.100000Emergency Service Dist #10 0.100000Emergency Service Dist #11 0.100000Emergency Service Dist #12 0.100000Hospital District 0.276235Road & Flood Control Fund 0.023668San Antonio River Authority 0.018580Alamo Community College 0.149150

School DistrictsISD - Alamo Heights 1.196400ISD - Boerne 1.251900ISD - Comal 1.275700ISD - East Central 1.142000ISD - Edgewood 1.261321ISD - Harlandale 1.428200ISD - Judson 1.274900ISD - North East 1.268400ISD - Northside 1.285700ISD - San Antonio 1.502300ISD - Schertz-Cibolo-Univ. City 1.410600ISD - Somerset 1.322250ISD - South San Antonio 1.391200ISD - Southside 1.389144ISD - Southwest 1.438004

MUDs/WCIDsDowntown PID 0.150000Downtown PID - Condos 0.090000Cibolo Canyon SID 0.558270Clearwater Creek SID 0.558270Crosswinds at South Lake 0.558270Gates SID 0.558270San Antonio MUD #1 0.530000Stolte Ranch SID 0.558270Talley Road SID 0.558270Water District #10 No TaxWestpoint SID 0.558270Westside 211 SID 0.558270

Blanco County blancocad.com

County JurisdictionBlanco County 0.390000

Cities/VillagesCity of Blanco 0.350300City of Johnson City 0.399000

Emergency Services/SpecialN Blanco Co. Emergency Srv Dist 0.098600S Blanco Co. Emergency Srv Dist 0.100000

School DistrictsISD - Blanco 1.043500ISD - Johnson City 1.143800

MUDs/WCIDsBlanco/Pedernales Groundwater 0.022400

Burnet County burnet-cad.org

County JurisdictionBurnet County 0.358200Burnet County Special 0.041700Total County 0.399900

Cities/VillagesCity of Bertram 0.481000City of Burnet 0.618100City of Cottonwood Shores 0.531500City of Double Horn 0.095000City of Granite Shoals 0.598600City of Highland Haven 0.132100City of Horseshoe Bay 0.270000City of Marble Falls 0.610000City of Meadowlakes 0.287000

Emergency Services/SpecialBurnet Emergency Srv Dist #1 0.022100Burnet Emergency Srv Dist #2 0.100000Burnet Emergency Srv Dist #3 0.060180Burnet Emergency Srv Dist #4 0.099300Burnet Emergency Srv Dist #5 0.084400Burnet Emergency Srv Dist #6 0.070000Burnet Emergency Srv Dist #7 0.088900Burnet Emergency Srv Dist #8 0.100000Burnet Emergency Srv Dist #9 0.100000

School DistrictsCISD - Burnet 1.146300ISD - Lampasas (Appraisal Only) 1.314700ISD - Marble Falls 1.185000

MUDs/WCIDsHighway 71 MUD 1.000000Kingsland MUD 0.209000Central TX Water Conserv 0.007200

Caldwell County caldwellcad.org

County JurisdictionCaldwell County 0.705300Farm to Market 0.000100Total County 0.705400

Cities/VillagesCity of Lockhart 0.635400City of Luling 0.513300City of Martindale 0.443000City of Mustang Ridge 0.473500City of Niederwald 0.122600City of Uhland 0.175100

Emergency Services/SpecialCaldwell-Hays ESD #1 0.100000Caldwell ESD #2 0.100000Caldwell ESD #3 0.081700Caldwell ESD #4 0.100000

School DistrictsISD - Lockhart 1.167100ISD - Luling 1.278000ISD - Prairie League 0.966400MUDs/WCIDsGonzales U.G. Water 0.005000Plum Creek Conserv Dist 0.021800Plum Creek U.G. 0.021600

Comal County comalad.org

County JurisdictionComal County 0.319000County of Comal LTR 0.039515Total County 0.358515

Cities/VillagesCity of Bulverde 0.182000City of Garden Ridge 0.321106City of New Braunfels 0.483194City of Spring Branch 0.104659

Emergency Services/SpecialEmergency Services Dist #1 0.082174Emergency Services Dist #2 0.079000Emergency Services Dist #3 0.077700Emergency Services Dist #4 0.064980Emergency Services Dist #5 0.100000Emergency Services Dist #6 0.089385Emergency Services Dist #7 0.065691

School DistrictsISD - Comal 1.275700ISD - New Braunfels 1.223300

MUDs/WCIDsComal Co. Water District #6 0.850000Comal Co. Water Imp District #1A 0.794000Johnson Ranch MUD 0.850000Meyer Ranch MUD 0.950000York Creek MUD 0.004800

Fayette County fayettecad.org

County JurisdictionFayette County 0.303800F.M. Road & Bridge 0.160200Total 0.464000

Cities/VillagesCity of Carmine 0.002900City of Fayetteville 0.232900City of Flatonia 0.315000City of La Grange 0.209300City of Schulenburg 0.210000Town of Round Top 0.049800

School DistrictsISD - Fayetteville 1.204400ISD - Flatonia 1.251850ISD - La Grange 1.152300ISD - Round Top/Carmine 1.041500ISD - Schulenburg 1.155600

MUDs/WCIDsCummins Creek WCID 0.020500Monument Hill WCID 0.244700Fayette County GWCD 0.009900

Guadalupe County guadalupead.org

County JurisdictionGuadalupe County 0.385400Lateral Road 0.050000Total 0.435400

Cities/VillagesCity of Cibolo 0.493500City of Marion 0.480100City of Santa Clara 0.164300City of Schertz 0.512100City of Seguin 0.541200City of Selma 0.196800

School DistrictsISD - Marion 1.385500

ISD - Navarro 1.262300ISD - Schertz/Cibolo/Univ. City 1.410600ISD - Seguin 1.361400

MUDs/WCIDsYork Creek Water District 0.004800

Hays County hayscad.com

County JurisdictionHays County 0.392400

Cities/VillagesCity of Buda 0.342300City of Dripping Springs 0.190000City of Hays 0.109600City of Kyle 0.520100City of Mountain City 0.119000City of Niederwald 0.122600City of San Marcos 0.593000City of Uhland 0.175100City of Woodcreek 0.223100Village of Bear Creek 0.089400

Emergency Services/SpecialCaldwell Hays ESD #1 0.100000Hays Co. ESD #5 0.099300Hays Co. ESD #6 0.086500Hays Co. ESD #8 0.100000Hays Co. ESD #9 0.059800North Hays Co. ESD #1 0.030000Northeast Hays Co. ESD #2 0.075000South Hays ESD #3 0.097000Special Road (Over 65 Only) 0.028800Wimberley Fire Hays Co. ESD #4 0.050000Wimberley Hays Co. ESD #7 0.078000

School DistrictsAustin Community College 0.105800CISD - Hays 1.403700CISD - San Marcos 1.189900ISD - Dripping Springs 1.333200ISD - Wimberley 1.229500* Continued on next page

MUDs/WCIDsAnthem MUD 1.000000Crosswinds MUD 0.900000Driftwood Conservation District 1.000000Driftwood Economic Dev. MMD 0.150000Greenhawe WCID #2 0.250000Hays Co. Dev. District 1. 0.900000Hays Co. MUD #4 0.850000Hays Co. MUD #5 0.699000Hays Co. WCID #1 0.860000Hays Co. WCID #2 0.865000Headwaters MUD 0.900000North Hays Co. MUD #1 0.870000North Hays Co. MUD #2 0.150000Plum Creek Conservation Dist 0.021800Plum Creek Groundwater Dist 0.021600Reunion Ranch WCID 0.875000South Buda WCID #1 0.900000Springhollow MUD 1.000000Sunfield MUD #1 0.900000Sunfield MUD #3 0.900000York Creek Improvement Dist. 0.004800

Kendall County kendallad.org

County JurisdictionKendall County 0.412700

Cities/VillagesCity of Boerne 0.472000

School DistrictsISD - Boerne 1.251900ISD - Comfort 1.252300

MUDs/WCIDsCow Creek Groundwater 0.005000Kendall Co. WCID #1 0.280000Kendall Co. MUD #1 0.650000Miralomas MUD 1.000000

Lampasas County lampasascad.org

County JurisdictionLampasas County 0.589100Road & Bridge 0.123500

Cities/VillagesCity of Copperas Cove 0.786500Town of Evant 0.931300City of Goldthwaite 1.285900City of Lampasas 0.395218City of Lometa 0.352314City of Kempner 0.244900City of San Saba 1.246400

School DistrictsISD - Lampasas 1.314700ISD - Lometa 1.242457

Llano County llanocad.net

County JurisdictionLlano County 0.263740Road & Bridge 0.032000

Cities/VillagesCity of Horseshoe Bay 0.270000City of Llano 0.656730City of Sunrise Beach 0.183300

School DistrictsISD - Burnet 1.146300ISD - Johnson City 1.143800ISD - Llano 1.088000

Emergency Services/SpecialLlano ESD #1 0.018640Llano ESD #2 0.027410Llano ESD #3 0.029590Llano ESD #4 0.100000

MUDs/WCIDsDeerhaven WCID 0.204900Kingsland MUD 0.209000Llano County MUD #1 0.325270Llano County Road District #1 0.010000

Medina County medinacad.org

County JurisdictionMedina County 0.456200

Cities/VillagesCity of Castroville 0.495178City of Devine 0.529800City of Hondo 0.494000City of LaCoste 0.550000City of Lytle 0.415400City of Natalia 0.736700

School DistrictsISD - Devine 1.227200ISD - D’Hanis 1.061300ISD - Hondo 1.199758ISD - Lytle 1.368400ISD - Medina Valley 1.344190ISD - Natalia 1.333200ISD - Northside 1.285700ISD - Utopia 0.965300

Emergency Services/SpecialMedina County ESD #1 0.095000Medina County ESD #2 0.094800Medina County ESD #3 0.048000Medina County ESD #4 0.046500Medina County ESD #5 0.100000Medina County ESD #6 0.075000Utopia/Vanderpool Area ESD #1 0.100000Medina Co. Pct. #2 Special Rd 0.050000Potranco Ranch PID 0.180000Potranco Ranch PID #2 0.180000Medina County Hospital District 0.100000

Travis County traviscad.org

County JurisdictionTravis County 0.374359

Cities/VillagesCity of Austin 0.533500City of Bee Cave 0.020000

* Continued on next page

City of Cedar Park 0.446977City of Creedmoor 0.312200City of Elgin 0.635663City of Jonestown 0.565600City of Lago Vista 0.647500City of Lakeway 0.164500City of Leander 0.536867City of Manor 0.816100City of Mustang Ridge 0.473500City of Pflugerville 0.486300City of Rollingwood 0.236900City of Round Rock 0.439000City of West Lake Hills 0.078600Village of Briarcliff 0.130000Village of Point Venture 0.122400Village of San Leanna 0.249800Village of The Hills 0.100000Village of Volente 0.090000Village of Webberville 0.304400

Emergency Services/SpecialTravis County ESD #01 0.100000Travis County ESD #02 0.100000Travis County ESD #03 0.079000Travis County ESD #04 0.099700Travis County ESD #05 0.100000Travis County ESD #06 0.100000Travis County ESD #07 0.100000Travis County ESD #08 0.100000Travis County ESD #09 0.081400Travis County ESD #10 0.100000Travis County ESD #11 0.100000Travis County ESD #12 0.100000Travis County ESD #13 0.100000Travis County ESD #14 0.100000Travis County ESD #15 0.100000Travis County ESD #16 0.090000

School DistrictsAustin Community College Dist 0.105800CISD - Hays 1.403700ISD - Austin 1.102700ISD - Coupland 1.153957ISD - Del Valle 1.257000ISD - Dripping Springs 1.333200ISD - Eanes 1.116400ISD - Elgin 1.460700ISD - Johnson City 1.143800ISD - Lago Vista 1.203600ISD - Lake Travis 1.323900ISD - Manor 1.442672ISD - Marble Falls 1.185000ISD - Pflugerville 1.422300ISD - Round Rock 1.221200

MUDs/WCIDsAnderson Mill Limited Dist 0.117455Belvedere MUD 0.295000Cottonwood Creek MUD #1 0.850000Cypress Ranch WCID #1 0.900000Hurst Creek MUD 0.320000Kelly Lane WCID #1 0.747500Kelly Lane WCID #2 0.810000Lake Pointe MUD #3 0.172900Lake Pointe MUD #5 0.228900Lakeside MUD #3 0.840000

Lakeside WCID #1 0.750000Lakeside WCID #2A 0.970000Lakeside WCID #2B 0.970000Lakeside WCID #2C 0.970000Lakeside WCID #2D 0.970000Lakeway MUD 0.103000Lazy Nine MUD #1A 1.000000Lazy Nine MUD #1B 1.010000Lost Creek Limited District 0.042800Moore's Crossing MUD 0.798000NE Travis County Utility District 0.550000North Austin MUD #1 0.281700Northtown MUD 0.625000Onion Creek Metro Park District 0.200000Pilot Knob MUD #2 0.950000Pilot Knob MUD #3 0.950000Pilot Knob MUD #5 0.950000Presidential Glen MUD 0.300000Ranch at Cypress Creek MUD #1 0.351300River Place Limited District 0.080000Senna Hills MUD 0.450000Shady Hollow MUD 0.110000Southeast Travis County MUD #1 0.980000Southeast Travis County MUD #2 0.980000Sunfield MUD #1 0.900000Sunfield MUD #3 0.900000Tanglewood Forest Limited Dist 0.189600Travis Central Health 0.110306Travis Co. Bee Cave Rd Dist #1 0.273052Travis County MUD #02 0.890000Travis County MUD #03 0.469500Travis County MUD #04 0.729600Travis County MUD #05 0.579000Travis County MUD #06 0.464600Travis County MUD #07 0.908900Travis County MUD #08 0.630000Travis County MUD #09 0.827500Travis County MUD #10 0.790000Travis County MUD #11 0.497500Travis County MUD #12 0.772500Travis County MUD #13 0.772500Travis County MUD #14 0.810000Travis County MUD #15 0.407500Travis County MUD #16 0.930000Travis County MUD #17 0.950000Travis County MUD #18 0.750000Travis County MUD #19 0.365000Travis County MUD #20 0.365000Travis County MUD #21 0.365000Travis County MUD #22 0.850000Travis County MUD #23 0.410100Travis County MUD #24 0.950000WCID #10 0.084000WCID #17 0.059900WCID #17 (Flintrock Ranch Estates) 0.342200WCID #17 (Serene Hills) 0.625000WCID #17 (Steiner Ranch) 0.288900WCID #18 0.075000WCID #19 0.257500WCID #20 0.180000WCID Point Venture 0.740900Wells Branch MUD 0.370000West Travis County MUD #6 0.350000West Travis County MUD #8 0.521000Wilbarger Creek MUD #1 0.878000Wilbarger Creek MUD #2 0.950000Williamson Co WSID Dist #3 0.746500Williamson & Travis Co. MUD #1 0.347900

Williamson County wcad.org

County JurisdictionWilliamson County 0.418719F.M. & Road 0.04000Total 0.458719

Cities/VillagesCity of Austin 0.533500City of Cedar Park 0.446977City of Coupland 0.237459City of Florence 0.720000City of Georgetown 0.418000City of Granger 0.745621City of Hutto 0.600000City of Jarrell 0.419500City of Leander 0.536867City of Liberty Hill 0.454559City of Pflugerville 0.486300City of Round Rock 0.439000City of Taylor 0.809215City of Thrall 0.596285City of Weir 0.227259

Emergency Services/SpecialWilliamson County ESD #1 0.100000Williamson County ESD #2 0.100000Williamson County ESD #3 0.100000Williamson County ESD #4 0.093295Williamson County ESD #5 0.100000Williamson County ESD #6 0.100000Williamson County ESD #7 0.100000Williamson County ESD #8 0.100000Williamson County ESD #9 0.100000Williamson County ESD #10 0.100000Williamson County ESD #11 0.100000Williamson County ESD #12 0.100000

School DistrictsAustin Community College 0.105800EWC Higher Ed Center 0.048440ISD - Coupland 1.153957ISD - Florence 1.233900ISD - Georgetown 1.307100ISD - Granger 1.012600ISD - Hutto 1.466500ISD - Jarrell 1.426600ISD - Leander 1.418400ISD - Liberty Hill 1.364700ISD - Pflugerville 1.422300ISD - Round Rock 1.221200ISD - Taylor 1.403300ISD - Thrall 1.289700

MUDs/WCIDsAnderson Mill Limited Dist. 0.1174550Avery Ranch Road District 0.074096Berry Creek Highland 0.550000Block House MUD 0.760000Brushy Creek MUD 0.460000Brushy Creek MUD Defined Area 0.160000Cool Water 0.950000Donahoe Creek Watershed 0.020000Fern Bluff MUD 0.279000Georgetown Village PID 0.140000Highlands At Mayfield Ranch 0.850000Lakeside MUD #2A 0.970000Lakeside MUD #3 0.840000Leander MUD #1 1.000000Leander MUD #2 1.000000Leander TODD MUD #1 0.350000Lower Brushy Creek WCID 0.020000

Meadows of Chandler Creek MUD 0.360000North Austin MUD# 1 0.281700North San Gabriel #1 0.950000North San Gabriel #2 0.400000NW Williamson County #2 0.950000Northwoods Road District 0.272500Palmera Ridge MUD 0.400000Paloma Lakes MUD #1 0.610000Paloma Lakes MUD #2 0.750000Parkside At Mayfield Ranch MUD 0.575000Pearson Place Road District 0.100000Ranch At Cypress Creek MUD 1 0.351300Round Rock #1 0.680000Sienna MUD #1 0.750000Sienna MUD #2 0.850000Sonterra 0.947500

Somerset Hills Road District 0.290000SE Williamson County MUD #1 0.540000Stonewall Ranch MUD 0.900000Upper Brushy Creek WCID 0.020000Vista Oaks MUD 0.320000Walsh Ranch MUD 0.588800Watch Hill MUD 0.650000Wells Branch MUD 0.370000West Williamson Co. MUD #1 0.900000West Williamson Co. MUD #2 0.950000Wilco / Liberty Hill MUD 0.950000Williamson/Travis MUD #1 0.347900Williamson County WSID #3 0.746500Williamson CO MUD #10 0.550000Williamson CO MUD #11 0.570000Williamson CO MUD #12 0.850000

Williamson CO MUD #13 0.820000Williamson CO MUD #15 0.745000Williamson CO MUD #19 0.850000Williamson CO MUD #19A 0.850000Williamson CO MUD #19B 0.850000Williamson CO MUD #22 0.950000Williamson CO MUD #23 0.950000Williamson CO MUD #25 0.920000Williamson CO MUD #26 0.900000Williamson CO MUD #28 0.650000Williamson CO MUD #29 0.650000Williamson CO MUD #30 0.950000Williamson CO MUD #31 0.850000Williamson CO MUD #32 0.850000Williamson CO MUD #34 0.666000

Requirements

Homestead exemptions remove part of your home's value from taxation. If you want to receive a homestead exemption for the taxes on your home, the home must first qualify as a residence homestead on January 1 of the year in which you are applying. There are two requirements:

1. You must own your home on Jan. 1. (If you are over 65 and/or disabled, the January 1 ownership and residency are not required.)

2. You must use the home as your principal residence on January 1.

What is a homestead?

A homestead can be a separate structure, condominium or a manufactured home located on owned or leased land, as long as the individual living in the home owns it. A homestead can include up to 20 acres, if the land is owned by the homeowner and used as a yard or for another purpose related to the residential use of the homestead.

What homestead exemptions are available?

School Taxes: All residence homestead owners may receive a $15,000 homestead exemption from their home's value for school taxes.

County taxes: If a county collects a special tax for farm-to-market roads or flood control, a residence homestead owner may receive a $3,000 exemption for this tax. If the county grants an optional exemption for homeowners age 65 or older or disabled, the owners will receive only the local-option exemption.

Age 65 or older and disabled exemptions: Individuals 65 and older and/or disabled residence homestead owners may qualify for a $10,000 homestead exemption for school taxes, in addition to the $15,000 exemption for all homeowners. If the owner qualifies for both the $10,000 exemption for 65 and older homeowners and the $10,000 exemption for disabled homeown-ers, the owner must choose one or the other for school taxes. The owner cannot receive both exemptions.

Optional 65 or older or disabled exemptions: Any taxing unit may offer an additional exemption amount of at least $3,000 for taxpayers age 65 or older and/or disabled.

Optional percentage exemptions: Any taxing unit-including a city, county, school, or special district-may offer an exemption of up to 20 percent of a home's value. But no matter what the percentage is, the amount of an optional exemption cannot be less than $5,000. Each taxing unit decides if it will offer the exemption and at what percentage. This percentage exemption is added to any other home exemption for which an owner qualifies. The taxing unit must decide before July 1 of the tax year to offer this exemption.

Do I, as a homeowner, get a tax break from property taxes?

You may apply for homestead exemptions on your principal residence. Homestead exemptions remove part of your home's value from taxation, so they lower your taxes. For example, if your home is appraised at $100,000 and you qualify for a $15,000 exemption (this is the amount mandated for school districts), you will pay school taxes on the home as if it was worth only $85,000. Taxing units have the option to offer a separate exemption of up to 20 percent of the total value.

Do all homes qualify for homestead exemptions?

No, only a homeowner's principal residence qualifies. To qualify, a home must meet the definition of a residence homestead: The home's owner must be an individual (for example: not a corporation or other business entity) and use the home as his or her principal residence on January 1 of the tax year. If you are age 65 or older, the January 1 ownership and residency are not required for the age 65 homestead exemption.

What documentation do I need to provide in order to obtain a homestead exemption?

A state law that took effect on September 1, 2011 has changed proof of residency requirements for homeowners applying for the property tax homestead exemption. It’s vital that home buyers update their address on their driver’s license, and with the tax assessor/collector in their area in order to be able to provide the required documentation for the homestead exemption:

1. Application for residential homestead exemption (Available on the websites of most county appraisal districts)

2. Copy of driver’s license or identification card from the Texas Department of Public Safety at Txdps.State.Tx.Us

3. If you do not own a vehicle, you must complete the non-ownership of motor vehicle affidavit (found on the application for residential homestead exemption), sign it before a notary public, and attach a copy of a utility bill showing the homestead address.

4. The homestead exemption will not be allowed unless all the required documents show the same homestead address. All three documents must have the same address.

Homestead Exemptions

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