Texas Homestead Exemption: What It Is, How It Works, and How to File (Harris, Montgomery & Walker Counties)
Owning a home in Texas comes with amazing benefits — and one of the most important is the Homestead Exemption, a tax break that puts money back into your pocket and offers long-term protection on your property taxes.
Whether you just closed on your home or have owned it for years, this guide will walk you through exactly what a homestead exemption is, how it works in Texas (including a key change allowing first-year filing), who should file, and where to apply in Harris, Montgomery, Walker (Huntsville), and New Caney areas.
What Is a Homestead Exemption?
A homestead exemption is a property tax break that reduces the taxable value of your primary residence — which can lower your annual property tax bill. It’s offered under Texas law and administered by each county’s appraisal district.
Here’s the big idea:
✅ The exemption removes part of your home’s value from taxation.
✅ You only need to file it once (as long as ownership and occupancy don’t change).
Example: If your home is appraised at $300,000, a general Texas homestead exemption could reduce the taxable value by a significant amount — meaning you pay taxes on less than the full value of your home.
How Does it Work in Texas?
1. It Reduces Your Taxable Value
Filing for a homestead exemption lowers the taxable portion of your home’s value, which can reduce your annual property taxes.
2. You Don’t Need to File Every Year
Once your exemption is approved, it stays in place automatically — no yearly filings.
3. The Deadline to File
The general filing window is January 1 to April 30 of the tax year for which you’re applying. Applications postmarked by April 30 are generally processed in time for that year’s tax bill.
4. New Law Lets You File the Year You Buy
Previously, you had to own and occupy your home by January 1 of the tax year to file that year’s exemption. But under current law, homebuyers can now file and receive the homestead exemption in the same calendar year they purchase — if all requirements are met.
✅ Example: If you bought your home in 2025 and meet the eligibility criteria, you do not have to wait until 2026 to file for the homestead exemption — you can file it for the 2025 tax year.
Who Should File?
You should file a homestead exemption if all of these are true:
✔ You own the home (even partial ownership can qualify)
✔ The property is your primary residence (your main living address)
✔ You live in the home and don’t claim a homestead exemption on another property anywhere else
✔ Your Texas driver’s license or state ID lists the same address as the property (in most cases)
Different exemptions are available depending on your situation, including for seniors, disabled homeowners, and disabled veterans — but the basic homestead exemption is the one to file first.
How to File: County Links & Instructions
You must file your homestead exemption with the appraisal district for the county where your home is located. Below are the official places to start your application:
📍 Harris County (Houston)
Apply online or download forms via the Harris Central Appraisal District:
🔗 https://hcad.org/hcad-online-services/homestead/
You can file using the online form or the HCAD mobile app — it’s free and typically only requires a copy of your Texas ID with matching address.
Plus, the Harris County Tax Office has additional property tax exemption info here:
🔗 https://www.hctax.net/property/taxbreaks
📍 Montgomery County (Conroe / New Caney)
Montgomery County residents can access online forms and submit homestead exemption applications through the Montgomery Central Appraisal District’s forms portal:
🔗 https://forms.mcad-tx.org/
The Montgomery County Tax Office also has resources on property tax exemptions:
🔗 https://www.mctx.org/departments/departments_q_-_z/tax_office/active_duty_property_tax.php
📍 Walker County (Huntsville)
Walker County homeowners can find homestead exemption information and printable forms on the official Walker County Appraisal District site:
🔗 https://walkercad.org/ (use the Exemptions and Forms sections)
You may file by mail, email, or in person — and you’ll need a Texas driver’s license or ID showing your current address to qualify.
Why It Matters
Filing your homestead exemption can:
✅ Lower your taxable home value and reduce annual property taxes
✅ Help protect your home’s appraised value from large increases
✅ Unlock additional exemptions if you qualify as a senior, disabled homeowner, or veteran
It’s one of the easiest financial wins available to Texas homeowners — and it’s free to file.
Final Tips
📌 Update your Texas ID or driver’s license address before filing if it doesn’t already match your home’s address.
📌 File as soon as possible after closing to ensure it’s processed for the current tax year.
📌 Keep a copy of your exemption application in your records.
If you want, I can also help you create a simple step-by-step video script that you can pair with your QR code to walk homeowners through the filing process — just ask!
