Do I need to file a Homestead? Do I have a Homestead

Homestead exemption laws typically have four primary features:

1. They prevent the forced sale of a home to meet the demands of creditors (however, in most cases homestead exemptions do not apply to forced sales to satisfy mortgages, mechanics liens, or sales to pay property taxes);
2. They provide the surviving spouse with shelter;
3. They provide an exemption from property taxes which can be applied to a home.
4. Allows a tax-exempt homeowner to vote on property tax increases to homeowners over the threshold via bond or millage requests.

Benefits

• Texas homestead exemptions result in several benefits for homeowners. Homeowners receive a $15,000 exemption in the value of their home for school tax purposes. People age 65 and older and the disabled receive an additional $10,000 exemption for school taxes; however, a person who qualifies for the age 65 and disabled exemptions can only use one exemption for school tax purposes. People age 65 and older and the disabled also receive a minimum of an additional $3,000 exemption. Disabled veterans may be eligible for a 100 percent homestead exemption.

  Homeowners may also receive a $3,000 exemption if the county in which they live charges taxes for activities such as road maintenance or flood control. Taxing authorities such as counties or cities can choose to offer an additional exemption of at least $5,000 or up to 20 percent of the home's value.