Homestead Exemption in Texas (TX)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Exemption amounts change frequently. Verify with your county assessor or a qualified attorney.
Texas provides a $100,000 homestead exemption on school district taxes (increased from $40,000 in 2023). The bankruptcy exemption is unlimited in value, protecting up to 10 acres urban or 100/200 acres rural. Seniors 65+ and disabled receive an additional $10,000 school tax exemption and a tax ceiling (freeze). Disabled veterans may receive full exemption.
Property Tax Homestead Exemption in Texas
Texas offers a flat homestead exemption of $100,000 that is subtracted from the assessed value of your primary residence for property tax purposes. You must file an application with your county assessor by April 30 to receive this exemption.
Bankruptcy Homestead Exemption in Texas
Texas provides one of the strongest homestead exemptions in the nation: unlimited bankruptcy protection. This means your entire home equity is shielded from creditors during bankruptcy proceedings, regardless of value. The only limitation is on the size of the property. This makes Texas one of the best states for asset protection through homeownership.
Special Exemptions in Texas
Texas offers comprehensive additional homestead exemptions for seniors (typically 65+), disabled homeowners, and veterans. These enhanced exemptions can provide significantly greater tax savings than the standard homestead exemption. Eligibility requirements, income limits, and exemption amounts vary. Contact your county assessor for specific details and application forms.
How to Apply in Texas
To receive the homestead exemption in Texas, you must file an application with your county assessor or property appraiser. The typical deadline is April 30. You will generally need to provide:
- Proof that the property is your primary residence (driver's license, voter registration, or utility bills)
- Property identification number or address
- Social security number and date of birth
- For senior exemption: proof of age (65+) and possibly income documentation
- For disabled exemption: documentation of disability status
- For veteran exemption: DD-214 or VA disability rating letter
Contact your local county assessor's office for the specific application form and any additional documentation requirements. Many counties now offer online applications.
City-Specific Homestead Exemption Information in Texas
Homestead exemption details can vary by county and city within Texas. Below are notes for 4 major cities.
Houston
Harris County. $100,000 school exemption, 20% optional county exemption. Over-65 tax ceiling.
Dallas
Dallas County. School tax exemption plus city/county may offer additional exemptions.
San Antonio
Bexar County. $100,000 school exemption. Senior freeze on school taxes.
Austin
Travis County. $100,000 school exemption plus city homestead exemptions.
How Texas Compares
Below is a comparison of Texas with five states that have similar homestead exemption levels. This helps you understand where Texas falls on the spectrum of homestead protections nationwide.
| State | Exemption | Bankruptcy | Senior | Veteran | Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas (TX) | Unlimited | Unlimited | Yes | Yes | Strong Protection |
| South Dakota (SD) | $0 | Unlimited | Yes | Yes | Strong Protection |
| New York (NY) | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | Yes | Yes | Strong Protection |
| Oklahoma (OK) | $1,000 | Unlimited | Yes | Yes | Strong Protection |
| Nevada (NV) | $605,000 | $605,000 | Yes | Yes | Strong Protection |
| Kansas (KS) | $0 | Unlimited | Yes | Yes | Strong Protection |
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas's Homestead Exemption
How much is the homestead exemption in Texas?
The homestead exemption in Texas is $100,000 off the assessed value of your primary residence. The bankruptcy homestead exemption is Unlimited.
When is the homestead exemption deadline in Texas?
The typical deadline for filing a homestead exemption application in Texas is April 30. You must file an application with your county assessor or property appraiser to receive the exemption.
Does Texas offer a senior homestead exemption?
Yes, Texas offers additional homestead exemptions for senior citizens, typically those 65 and older. The enhanced exemption may include higher dollar amounts, assessment freezes, or income-based credits. Contact your county assessor for specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.
Can I get a veteran homestead exemption in Texas?
Yes, Texas provides additional homestead exemptions for veterans, particularly those with service-connected disabilities. The exemption amount varies based on disability rating. You will typically need to provide a DD-214 or VA disability rating letter with your application.
How much does the homestead exemption protect in bankruptcy in Texas?
Texas provides unlimited homestead exemption protection in bankruptcy. Your entire home equity is protected from creditors regardless of value, subject only to acreage limitations. This is one of the strongest protections in the nation.
Explore More States
Use our homestead exemption calculator to estimate your tax savings in any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local county rules may provide additional exemptions or modify state-level protections.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified attorney or tax professional for guidance on your specific situation.