A Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Property Tax Bill

A homestead exemption lowers the taxable value of your home. That means a smaller property tax bill.

Texas law requires school districts to offer a general homestead exemption. Under recent state law, school districts must exempt at least $140,000 of a qualifying home's value. Other taxing units, like the county or a city, may offer extra exemptions on top of that.

To qualify, the home must be where you mainly live. You must also have an ownership interest in it.

You apply at the Ochiltree County Appraisal District in Perryton. The usual deadline is before May 1 of the tax year. You will need a valid Texas driver's license or state ID that shows the property's address.

Exemption amounts and deadlines can change. Check the appraisal district's website or the Texas Comptroller's exemption page for the latest details.