Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Property Tax Bill

Texas school districts give a $140,000 reduction off your home's appraised value for a general homestead exemption. That means you pay school district taxes on the value after that reduction. Rusk County also has an optional exemption, and the cities of Henderson and Tatum offer them too.

You must apply — it is not automatic. To qualify, the home must be your main residence and your Texas driver's license must show that address. Homeowners age 65 and older get a school tax ceiling, which locks school taxes at the amount paid the year you qualified. All school districts in Rusk County have that ceiling in place. File your application with the Rusk County Appraisal District. Check ruskcad.org for the current deadline and form.