Texas has made it easier to get the advantages of a homestead exemption without the chance of forgetting to file months later!
On January 1 of this year, homeowners in Texas were eligible to file for a homestead exemption immediately after the purchase of a new home. Before SB 8 passed, you had to wait until the next year to file for a homestead exemption. What does this mean for new homeowners? Texas has made it easier to get the advantages of a homestead exemption without the chance of forgetting to file months later!
A homestead exemption removes part of the value of the home you have designated as your homestead from property taxation. Each taxing authority can adjust exactly what their exemption is, but in all cases, it lowers your property taxes.
What is a homestead in Texas? According to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts,
“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 for a purpose related to the residential use of the homestead.”
You do NOT need to pay ANYONE to help you file for a homestead exemption! New homeowners often receive official looking documents that imply you have to pay them $35 or more to fill out the simple form. Don’t fall for this – filling out the form is easy and can be done for free. Most of the counties in Texas and almost all in the immediate Dallas Fort Worth area let you do it online. You do this through each county Central Appraisal District (CAD).
Here are some links to most of the local Central Appraisal Districts:
If you’ve got questions about homestead exemptions or any other real estate related matters, drop me a line.
McKee Smith, REALTOR®, has been helping people like you sell and buy homes in the DFW area for many years. He is very knowledgeable about the housing market in Dallas and Fort Worth. Remember – McKee has the keys to selling your home!