First Steps for New Tarrant County Homeowners on Taxes

File a free form with TAD once you own the home and live in it as your main home. Did you buy after January 1? You may get the exemption for part of that year if the prior owner did not get the same exemption.

In a normal sale to an unrelated buyer, the seller's value cap does not move to the buyer. Your first value may be higher than the seller's capped value. A spouse or surviving spouse who still qualifies is an exception. Your own 10 percent cap starts on January 1 of the tax year after you first qualify. New work on the home can be added to the cap formula.

Keep TAD's approval notice with your closing papers. TAD handles the exemption, appraised value, owner name, and mailing address. The Tax Office handles the bill.