How to Get Your Homestead Exemption in Travis County

The residence homestead exemption is for the home you own and use as your main home. The usual rule looks at who owned and lived there on January 1. Texas also has a limited midyear path for some new owners. The exemption cuts taxable value. It does not cut TCAD's market value.

Apply through TCAD and use its filing steps. Your Texas driver's license or state ID will usually need the same address as the home. The form lists a few exceptions. There is no fee to apply.

After approval, you usually do not file again each year. TCAD can ask for a new form. Tell the district if you move or no longer qualify. In other words, open a TCAD letter instead of assuming the exemption will stay in place no matter what.