Q: What is a Homestead Exemption?
A: The Homestead Exemption is provided by state law for owner-occupied
residential properties. The exemption removes a portion of your value from
taxation providing a lower tax amount for the homestead property.
Q: Can I claim a Homestead Exemption on more than 1 property?
A: No, the Homestead Exemption is for owner-occupied residential properties and ONLY 1 property can be claimed as your principal residence.
Q: How do I qualify for the Homestead Exemption?
A: Effective January 1, 2022, property owners may qualify for a general
residence homestead exemption, for the applicable portion of that tax year,
immediately upon owning and occupying the property as their principal
residence, if the preceding owner did not receive the
exemption that tax year.
Q: When and where do I apply for my Homestead Exemption?
A: You may apply at the Williamson Central Appraisal District or online by locating your property through Property Search and selecting the HS Exemption icon. Applications may be submitted throughout the year; however, filing deadlines and late-filing provisions may apply depending on the exemption and tax year requested.
Q: Do I need to reapply every year for my Homestead
Exemption?
A: You do not have to reapply unless:
- The Chief Appraiser requests a
new application
- You move to a new residence
- You are applying for additional Homestead exemptions (over 65, disabled person, etc.)
Q: Can I claim a Homestead Exemption on a mobile home if
I do not own the land?
A: Yes. You will need to provide a copy of the statement of ownership of
the mobile home or a verified copy of your purchase contract.
Q: How many acres can I claim as my homestead?
A: State law allows you to claim that portion of your land that you
maintain for residential purposes, but this amount may not exceed 20 acres.
Generally, one acre or less is maintained for homestead purposes.
Q: Am I eligible for additional exemptions when I turn
65?
A: If you are age 65 or older your residence homestead will qualify for
additional exemption deductions. You qualify for the Age 65 or Older Exemption
the year you turn 65. You can apply for the Age 65 or Older Exemption via the
Homestead Exemption application by locating your property through Property
Search and selecting the HS Exemption icon.
Q: I am a disabled veteran. Am I entitled to any property
tax deductions?
A: You may qualify for the disabled veteran exemption
if you are Texas resident and:
·
A veteran who was disabled while serving with
the U.S. armed forces AND is receiving disability benefits from Veteran Affairs.
·
The surviving spouse or child (under 18 years of
age or unmarried) of a disabled veteran.
Q: What is the Disabled Veteran or Survivor’s Exemption?
A: Reduces taxable value for ALL taxing
entities, deductions vary upon percentage of disabilities. (Can be backdated
up to five years)
DV1: 10%-29% = $5,000
DV2: 30%-49% = $7,500
DV3: 50%-69% = $10,000.
DV4: 70%-100% = $12,000
You can apply for the Disabled Veteran or Survivors
Exemption Form 50-135 our website by clicking on Forms and
Applications > Most Requested Forms > Online Disabled Veteran
Application.
*If your disability rating is 100% or you are being compensated at
100% due to unemployability you may qualify for a 100% Disabled Veteran’s
Homestead Exemption. This is a TOTAL TAX EXEMPTION. This property must be
your principal residence, and you may not claim homestead on another
property. You can apply for the 100% Disabled Veteran’s Homestead
Exemption via the Homestead application by locating your property through
Property Search and selecting the HS Exemption icon.
Q: What documentation is needed to file for the Disabled
Veteran or Survivor’s Exemption Form 50-135?*
A: A copy of your recent Award Verification Letter
from the VA. The letter must have the disability rating and the effective
date. For Surviving Spouse, you will need the letter from the VA stating
you are receiving surviving spouse benefits with the effective date. You will also need to provide a copy of
property owner’s driver’s license or state-issued personal identification card.
Q: I just found out I may qualify for an exemption; can I
file for previous years?
A: Property owners can submit late applications.
· Homestead- No later than 2 years after
the first year you qualify
·
Over 65- No later than 2 years after the
first year you qualify
·
Standard Disabled Veteran- No later
than 5 years after the first year you qualify
· 100% Disabled Veteran- No later than 5 years after the first year you qualify
· Disabled Person- No later than 2 years
after the first year you qualify
Q: I am a homeowner with disabilities. May I receive any
property tax benefits?
A: A person with a disability may get exemptions if:
·
You can’t engage in gainful work because of
physical or mental disability or
· You are 55 years old and blind and can’t engage
in your previous work because of your blindness
If you receive disability benefits under the Federal Old
Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program through the Social Security
Administration you should qualify. Disability benefits from any other program
do not automatically qualify.
*In some situations, additional documentation may be required. The Exemption's department will notify via mail when required documentation is needed.