Texas property tax relief is top of mind for many homeowners right now, and for good reason. As property values continue to rise across the state, tax bills are growing right alongside them. Texas may not have a state income tax, but it makes up for it with some of the highest property tax rates in the country.

The good news is that there are multiple ways to lower your bill. Property tax relief in Texas includes a combination of exemptions, legal protections, and recent legislative changes designed to help homeowners keep more of their money.

In this article, we’ll walk through the most important types of relief available, explain how recent laws may affect your home, and share practical steps to help you save.

Navigating Texas Property Taxes

Texas property tax relief includes a variety of tools that help lower the amount you owe on your property tax bill. These programs are implemented and applied at the local level, meaning your savings can depend on your specific county, city, or school district.

Relief comes in many forms. Some programs reduce the taxable value of your home, while others place limits on how quickly your property’s assessed value can rise. There are also protections and deferrals available for certain groups, such as seniors, veterans, and homeowners affected by natural disasters.

In 2023 and 2024, Texas lawmakers passed new legislation aimed at expanding these benefits. These updates have made property tax relief more accessible and more valuable for homeowners across the state.

The Texas Homestead Exemption

In Texas, a large portion of your property tax bill goes toward funding your local school district, even if you don’t have children in public schools. This school tax is one of the most significant parts of what homeowners owe each year, which is why reducing it can lead to meaningful savings.

One of the most effective ways to lower your property tax bill is by claiming the homestead exemption. This exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, which directly lowers the amount of property taxes you owe.

Thanks to Proposition 4, passed by voters in November 2023, the standard homestead exemption for school district taxes was increased from $40,000 to $100,000. This change took effect starting with the 2024 tax year and can lead to substantial savings, especially for homeowners in districts with high tax rates.

In addition to the base exemption, there are additional benefits for:

• Homeowners age 65 or older, who receive a larger exemption and a freeze on school district taxes
• Homeowners with disabilities, who may qualify for the same benefits as those over 65
• Surviving spouses of disabled veterans, who may be eligible for full or partial exemptions based on the veteran’s service-related disability rating

To qualify for the homestead exemption, the property must be your principal residence, and you must own and occupy it as of January 1 of the tax year. You’ll need to apply through your local appraisal district, and the deadline to submit your application is April 30.

Other Forms of Property Tax Relief in Texas

While the homestead exemption is the most widely used form of property tax relief in Texas, it’s not the only one. The state offers several additional exemptions and deferral options that can provide even greater savings or temporary relief, especially for seniors, veterans, and homeowners facing hardship.

Over-65 and Disability Exemptions

Homeowners who are 65 or older or disabled are eligible for additional exemptions on top of the standard homestead exemption. These exemptions can:

• Provide a larger reduction in the home’s taxable value
• Include a freeze on school district taxes, meaning that amount cannot increase as long as you remain in the home
• Apply automatically to both age and disability status once approved by your local appraisal district

Veteran and Surviving Spouse Exemptions

Veterans with a service-connected disability may qualify for partial or full property tax exemptions, depending on their disability rating.

• A 100% disabled veteran may receive a full exemption from property taxes on their primary residence
• Surviving spouses of qualified disabled veterans may also be eligible if they have not remarried and continue to live in the home

Disaster-Related Exemptions

If your home is damaged in a natural disaster and the governor issues a disaster declaration, you may qualify for a temporary exemption that reflects the reduced value of your property.

This relief is based on the extent of the damage and must be applied for within a specific timeframe after the disaster occurs.

Property Tax Deferral Programs

Texas law also allows seniors (age 65+) and disabled homeowners to defer paying their property taxes.

• This deferral does not erase the tax bill, but it postpones payment until the homeowner no longer lives in the residence
• Interest accrues at a low rate (typically 5%), making this a useful option for homeowners on a fixed income who need temporary relief

Recent Legislative Changes and What’s Ahead

In recent years, Texas lawmakers have passed several reforms aimed at reducing property tax bills and improving fairness in the system. One of the biggest changes came through Proposition 4, approved by voters in 2023, which raised the homestead exemption (as covered earlier) and triggered a set of broader updates, including:

• Lowering school district tax rates by increasing state funding
• Adding appraisal caps to slow rapid increases in taxable property values

• Requiring greater transparency and accountability from local appraisal districts

In 2025, lawmakers are proposing even more relief. Two new bills would:

• Increase the homestead exemption to $140,000
• Raise the exemption for seniors and disabled homeowners to $200,000

If approved by voters in the November 2025 election, these changes would take effect for the 2025 tax year, offering even more savings for homeowners.

How to Lower Your Property Taxes Through Exemptions or Appeals

If you’re a Texas homeowner, applying for property tax exemptions is one of the most effective ways to reduce your annual tax bill. Common exemptions, such as the homestead, over-65, and disability exemptions, can be submitted through your local appraisal district or the Texas Comptroller’s website. To qualify, you generally need to own and occupy the property as your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year. The deadline to apply is April 30, though late applications may be accepted in some situations.

In addition to claiming exemptions, homeowners also have the right to protest their property valuation if they believe the appraised value is too high. Since your property taxes are based on this value, even a small adjustment can lead to noticeable savings. Protests are usually due by May 15 or within 30 days of receiving your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever comes later. The process involves submitting documentation to your appraisal district and, in some cases, participating in a hearing before the Appraisal Review Board.

Applying for exemptions and appealing an inflated valuation are two of the most important ways to manage your property tax burden. Understanding the process and meeting the deadlines can help ensure you are not paying more than necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions for Texas Property Tax Relief

Can I get property tax relief if I just bought my home?

Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. To qualify for the homestead exemption in a given year, you must own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1. If you purchased after that date, you may need to wait until the next tax year to apply.

Do I need to reapply for the homestead exemption every year?

No, once your exemption is approved, it remains in place unless you move, change ownership, or the appraisal district requests updated information. Some districts may periodically ask for confirmation of your eligibility.

What happens if I miss the deadline to apply for an exemption?

If you miss the April 30 deadline, you may still be able to apply late. Texas law allows homeowners to apply for certain exemptions up to two years after the tax delinquency date, but earlier filing is always better to ensure the savings apply to your current bill.

What documents do I need to apply for a homestead exemption?

You’ll typically need a completed application and a copy of your Texas driver’s license or state-issued ID. The address on your ID must match the address of the property you’re claiming as your primary residence.

Will protesting my property value lower my tax bill?

If your protest is successful and your appraised value is reduced, your tax bill may go down. How much it changes depends on the amount of the adjustment and your local tax rates. Even a modest reduction in appraised value can lead to noticeable savings.

How often should I check my appraised value?

You should review your Notice of Appraised Value every year. If the value seems too high or doesn’t reflect your home’s condition, it may be worth filing a protest.

Is there a cost to protest my property valuation?

No, protesting your appraisal through your county appraisal district is free. However, some homeowners choose to hire professionals to help with the process, especially for complex cases.

Stay Informed on Tax Issues That Matter

While Tax Lifeline doesn’t handle property tax relief, we believe it’s important to stay informed about changes that affect your wallet. From IRS debt to unfiled tax returns, we help individuals resolve serious federal tax issues. If you’re facing challenges with back taxes or need help understanding your options, schedule a free consultation today.