Owning a home comes with plenty of perks, and one of the biggest in Texas is the Homestead Exemption — a way to lower your property taxes and protect a portion of your home’s value from rising tax assessments. But recent changes to Texas law mean homeowners need to take extra steps to keep their exemption active. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to stay current and keep your savings.
What is a Homestead Exemption?
The Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, meaning you pay less in property taxes. Texas homeowners can save thousands of dollars over time with this exemption, making it a must for anyone who qualifies.
To qualify, the home must be your primary residence as of January 1st of the tax year. If you’re buying a home, you can apply as soon as you move in and no later than April 30th of the following year. Additionally, you must also not be claiming any other property as a homestead exemption.
What’s New?
In 2024, Texas implemented a requirement to update and confirm your Homestead Exemption every five years. This change was introduced to reduce potential tax fraud and ensure that exemptions are only applied to eligible properties. Now, homeowners will receive a notice from their local appraisal districts to confirm their primary residence status and keep the exemption active.
Failure to update could result in the loss of your exemption—so it’s critical to stay on top of this requirement!
How to Check Your Homestead Exemption Status
Checking your current Homestead Exemption status is simple. Use these direct links to your county’s appraisal district and search for your property:
- Bexar County Appraisal District
- Comal County Appraisal District
- Guadalupe County Appraisal District
- Wilson County Appraisal District
- Kendall County Appraisal District
- Atascosa County Appraisal District
Simply navigate to the “Property Search” tab, enter your property address, and check your exemption status. If you need to make an update, the website will guide you through the process.
We’re Here to Help!
At The Schrader Group, we understand how important it is to maximize the benefits of homeownership. If you have questions about your Homestead Exemption or need expert advice on buying or selling a home, we’re always just a call away.
Give us a call at 210-729-6099, and let’s chat about how we can help you save and succeed in your homeownership journey!
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The Schrader Group of San Antonio is one of the Top Real Estate teams and the name to look for when trying to buy or sell a home in San Antonio or any of the surrounding areas. With over 40 years experience we can handle every need you may come across, from selling your home, buying your home or purchasing a new build. Let us be your guide and contact us today!