Texas homestead exemption cuts your school tax bill

Texas requires school districts to provide a $140,000 residence homestead exemption. If a qualifying home is appraised at $300,000, the Comptroller's example taxes it for school purposes as if it were worth $160,000.

Homeowners age 65 or older, or those with a qualifying disability, can add another $60,000 school district exemption. Other exemptions may apply for disabled veterans and some surviving spouses.

You still have to apply. File Form 50-114 with the Brewster County Appraisal District. The state directory gives the CAD address as 1604 W. Hwy. 90 in Alpine and the phone as 432-837-2558.

Brewster County's active taxing units include the county, Alpine, four school districts, and Big Bend Regional Hospital District. Your bill depends on which units cover your property.