Homestead Exemption Cuts Your School Tax Bill

Texas gives a $140,000 school tax exemption to a home that meets the homestead rules. It takes that amount off the value used for school taxes. Take a home valued at $350,000. The school district would tax $210,000. Other lines on the bill can use other values. Cities, counties, colleges, road districts, and special districts choose their own local exemptions.

File with Bastrop Central Appraisal District, not the county tax office. Applications are normally due before May 1. A late homestead form may be filed as much as two years after the taxes become delinquent. Bastrop CAD takes forms by mail, by email at [email protected], or in the drop box at 212 Jackson Street.

A person who qualifies as age 65 or older or disabled gets another $60,000 school exemption. That person may also get a school tax ceiling. Local add-ons vary by taxing unit. Use Bastrop CAD's current form and table. The chief appraiser decides which exemptions fit the home and owner.