Homestead Exemption Lowers Your Property Tax Bill

Texas law requires school districts to give a $140,000 homestead exemption on your home's appraised value. That means the school district taxes only what remains after subtracting $140,000. Counties that collect farm-to-market or flood control taxes must give an additional $3,000 exemption.

You must apply for the exemption. It is not automatic. File your application with the Cherokee County Appraisal District. The general deadline is before May 1 of the tax year, but check with CCAD for the current deadline. You only need to apply once as long as you continue living in the home.