Texas Homestead Exemption — What Katy Homeowners Need to Know
Texas has no state income tax — but our property taxes are real. The good news: if you own the home you live in, the State of Texas gives you a meaningful break called the residence homestead exemption. The catch: it is not automatic. You have to apply for it, and many homeowners I meet have never filed.
What the Exemption Does
The homestead exemption removes part of your home's value from taxation. Most importantly, Texas law exempts $100,000 of your home's value from school district taxes — and schools are typically the largest part of a Texas property tax bill. Other taxing units (county, city, MUD, and others) may offer their own additional exemptions, which vary by location.
There is a second, long-term benefit: with a homestead exemption in place, your home's appraised value for tax purposes generally cannot increase more than 10% per year (plus the value of new improvements), even if market values rise faster. Over time, that cap can protect you from sharp jumps in your tax bill.
Who Qualifies
- You own the home, and
- It is your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year, and
- You have not claimed a homestead exemption on another property.
Additional exemptions may be available if you are 65 or older, a person with a disability, or a disabled veteran — these can freeze or further reduce school taxes in many cases, so they're worth asking about when you apply.
When and How to File
File your application with your county appraisal district between January 1 and April 30 of the tax year. Katy-area homeowners are typically in one of these districts:
- Harris County — Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD)
- Fort Bend County — Fort Bend Central Appraisal District (FBCAD)
- Waller County — Waller County Appraisal District
You'll generally need the application form (Texas Comptroller Form 50-114, available from your appraisal district), a copy of your driver's license or state ID showing the home's address, and proof of ownership. Filing is free — be wary of any company that mails you an offer to file it for a fee; you never need to pay for this.
Bought your home mid-year? You may still qualify for a prorated exemption for the remainder of the year under current law — it's worth applying and asking your appraisal district rather than waiting. And if you miss the April 30 deadline, late applications are accepted for a limited period after the appraisal roll is approved, so file anyway.
One Filing, Years of Savings
In most cases you only apply once — the exemption stays with you as long as the home remains your primary residence. When you move, file a new application for your new home and remove the old one.
If you bought a home with me — or with anyone — and you're not sure whether your homestead exemption is in place, consider this your friendly reminder to check. A few minutes of paperwork can save you real money every single year you live in your home.
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules and amounts can change; confirm current details with your county appraisal district or the Texas Comptroller.