Homestead Exemption Can Cut Your Tax Bill in Harris County

The exemption works two ways. First, it lowers the value HCAD uses to calculate your school district taxes. Second, Harris County adds a 20% optional exemption on top of that. Together they can save a homeowner a meaningful amount each year.

Starting in the second year you have the exemption, your appraised value cannot go up more than 10% per year — even if the market jumps higher. This is called the appraisal cap. Homeowners 65 and older or those with a disability get an additional school district exemption. A veteran rated 100% disabled by the VA may owe nothing on the homestead. Apply online at HCAD's website or by calling (713) 957-7800. The standard filing window is January 1 through April 30.