Homestead Exemption Cuts Your School Tax Bill

If you own and live in your home as your primary residence, you qualify for a homestead exemption. Texas school districts must knock $140,000 off your taxable value by state law. That can be a significant savings. Other local taxing units, like the county or city, may offer additional exemptions on top of that.

You file the application with JCAD, not the tax office. The general deadline to apply is typically April 30, but check with JCAD for the current year's deadline. You only need to file once; it renews automatically as long as you still live there. Visit jcad.org or call 409-840-9944 to get the form. Also check the Texas Comptroller's site for full eligibility rules.