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. With recent updates to Texas law and increases to exemption amounts, many homeowners may be eligible for even greater savings than before — but only if they take the proper steps to file and maintain their exemption.
What is a Homestead Exemption?
The Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, meaning you pay less in property taxes. Recent changes have increased the exemption amount, allowing homeowners to reduce their taxable value by up to $140,000 for school district taxes — a significant savings over time.
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 once you move in and no later than April 30th of the following year. You also cannot claim a homestead exemption on any other property.
What’s New?
One of the most significant recent changes is the increase in the homestead exemption amount. Texas homeowners can now reduce their taxable value by up to $140,000 for school district taxes — up from $100,000 in previous years — providing even greater potential savings.
In 2024, Texas implemented a requirement for homeowners to update and confirm their Homestead Exemption every five years. This change helps reduce fraud and ensures exemptions are applied only to eligible primary residences.
Homeowners will receive a notice from their local appraisal district when it’s time to confirm their exemption. Failing to respond could result in the loss of your exemption — and potentially a higher tax bill.
How to Check Your Homestead Exemption Status
Checking your current Homestead Exemption status is simple.Use the links below to access 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
Navigate to the “Property Search” tab, enter your property address, and review your exemption status. If updates are needed, each site will guide you through the process.
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Navigate to the “Property Search” tab, enter your property address, and review your exemption status. If updates are needed, each site 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 guidance on buying or selling a home, our team is here to help.
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!
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 44 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!