Things To Know Before Filing A Homestead Exemption

Updated Driver License/Texas ID

An updated Texas issued Driver License or Identification card showing your current physical address is required to qualify for the homestead exemption.

Homestead Cap

As a property owner, it is important to understand the benefits that exemptions can offer you. One of the most misunderstood benefits is the homestead cap. A property with a residential homestead exemption will qualify for the homestead cap in the second full year the homestead exemption has been on the property for the same owner.

The homestead cap limits existing assessed value increases to 10% per year regardless of how much the market value has increased. If new value is added to a property, that new value will be assessed at full market value for the first year, then be included in the capped assessed value the following year. New value could be contributed from a remodel, new improvements added to the property, mobile homes, etc.

The homestead cap does not transfer with ownership.

For more information about the homestead cap please see our homestead cap explanation.

You Only Need To Apply Once

The homestead exemption is a onetime exemption - no need to re-apply every year. Likewise, if you believe you qualified for the homestead exemption in prior years, simply fill out one application and enter the first year you believe you qualified when filling out the application. It will automatically be applied for all qualifying years.

Reasons you would need to reapply could include:

• you moved to a new residence
• applying for additional exemptions (over 65, disabled person, etc.)
• at the request of WCAD due to periodic audits of our records

If you have already applied, submitting multiple applications because you don't see the exemption added to your property yet will not expedite the review/approval process.

Check the Status of Your Application

You may check the status of a previously submitted, but not yet approved, application by using the Exemption Status LookUp link under More Resources on a property listing in our property search

Note: Applications will be processed in the order they are received. We strive to process exemptions as quickly as possible, but at times processing could take 6 - 8 weeks. Please allow at least six weeks to lapse before contacting our office to check when your application will be processed.