Travis County Homestead Exemption: Rules, Filing Steps & Real Savings
Own and occupy a primary residence in Travis County? A correctly filed homestead exemption can reduce taxable value, activate appraisal protections and unlock additional relief for seniors, disabled homeowners, veterans and qualifying surviving spouses.
Official-source review: August 25, 2026Quick answer: what does the Travis County homestead exemption provide?
A qualifying Travis County homeowner can receive several benefits through one residence-homestead application. For 2026, the mandatory school-district exemption removes $140,000 from the taxable value used by the applicable school district. Travis County has adopted a separate 20% general homestead exemption, with a statutory minimum of $5,000. Other entities—such as the City of Austin, school districts, cities, emergency-service districts and municipal utility districts—apply their own adopted exemptions.
TCAD reported that the homestead exemption saved the average Travis County property owner $3,663 on the 2025 tax bill. That figure is an average, not a guaranteed saving. Your result depends on the home’s net appraised value, the taxing units attached to the account, their adopted exemptions and their final tax rates.
Lower taxable value
An exemption removes a dollar amount or percentage before an individual taxing unit calculates its tax.
Appraisal limitation
After the required qualification period, the homestead appraisal limitation generally restricts annual growth in net appraised value, excluding qualifying new improvements.
Additional protection
Age-65 and qualifying disabled homeowners can receive added exemptions and a mandatory school-tax ceiling.
Use this guide to complete the task
Who qualifies for a Travis County residence homestead exemption?
The basic test is ownership plus principal-residence occupancy. TCAD—not the Travis County Tax Office—reviews the application and decides whether the property and applicant qualify.
You generally need to show
- You own an eligible interest in the property.
- You occupy it as your principal residence.
- You do not claim another residence homestead in Texas or another jurisdiction.
- Your application information matches the correct TCAD property account.
- Your identification or approved exception evidence meets application requirements.
These facts alone do not establish eligibility
- Receiving mail at the property
- Paying the mortgage or tax bill
- Being related to the recorded owner
- Owning a rental or second home in Travis County
- Having a driver license showing the address while living elsewhere
- Receiving the seller’s exemption-related tax estimate at closing
What can count as a residence homestead?
A qualifying homestead can include a house, condominium, manufactured home or another eligible residential structure, together with qualifying land. Urban and rural land limits differ under Texas law. The applicant must have the required ownership interest and use the property as a principal residence.
Can inherited or heir property qualify?
Yes. A person occupying inherited property may qualify even when the deed or probate process is incomplete, but TCAD may require heir-property affidavits and supporting records. These can include a prior owner’s death certificate, a recent utility bill, an affidavit describing ownership and residence, and available probate or court records.
Can a trust-owned home qualify?
A trust-owned home may qualify if the occupant has the beneficial or equitable interest required by Texas law and uses the property as a principal residence. Prepare the trust agreement, certification of trust or other requested portion establishing the applicant’s right to occupy the home.
Can a manufactured home qualify if the applicant does not own the land?
TCAD states that a mobile or manufactured home can qualify even when the applicant does not own the land. Include a title or verified purchase contract connecting the applicant to the home.
Travis County homestead exemption amounts for 2026
Property in Travis County can be taxed by several entities. Each entity calculates taxable value separately, so there is no single “Travis County taxable value” used by every line on the bill.
| Taxing entity | 2026 general homestead treatment | Age-65 or disabled treatment | What homeowners should know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicable school district | $140,000 state exemption | $60,000 state exemption plus any adopted local amount; school ceiling applies | Every Texas school district must provide the state amounts. Some Travis County school districts add local benefits. |
| Travis County | 20% of appraised value, minimum $5,000 | $145,269 local exemption shown in TCAD’s July 19, 2026 listing | The additional fixed amount is applied for qualifying age-65 or disabled homesteads. |
| City of Austin | 20% of appraised value, minimum $5,000 | $204,000 local exemption shown in TCAD’s July 19, 2026 listing | Applies only when the property is inside the City of Austin taxing boundary. |
| Austin ISD | $140,000 state exemption | $60,000 state amount plus $15,000 local amount | Other school districts in Travis County can have different local additions. |
| Lake Travis ISD | $140,000 state amount plus a listed 20% local option | $60,000 state amount | Confirm the current account and adopted exemptions because district boundaries matter. |
| Other cities, MUDs, ESDs and special districts | Varies by entity | Varies by entity | Review every taxing-unit row on the TCAD account instead of assuming Austin amounts apply countywide. |
How to read TCAD’s exemption codes
| Code | Common meaning | Verification step |
|---|---|---|
| HS | General residence homestead | Confirm it appears for the correct tax year and lowers taxable value for applicable units. |
| OV65 | Owner age 65 or older | Check additional exemption amounts and the school tax-ceiling record. |
| DP | Disabled-person exemption | Confirm TCAD approved the statutory disability category—not merely a general medical condition. |
| DV1–DV4 | Partial disabled-veteran exemption tier | Compare the code and exempt amount with the VA disability rating documentation. |
| DVHS | Qualifying disabled-veteran residence-homestead benefit | Ask TCAD to confirm the exact veteran or surviving-spouse category shown on the account. |
Codes and account layouts can change. Use the label and taxable-value details shown on the current TCAD record, and contact the exemption helpline when a code is unclear.
How to calculate your Travis County homestead savings
Calculate savings separately for each taxing entity. Tax rates are usually stated as dollars per $100 of taxable value.
Example 1: mandatory $140,000 school exemption
If a school district’s adopted rate were $0.9000 per $100, the estimated saving from the $140,000 exemption would be:
$140,000 × $0.9000 ÷ 100 = $1,260 estimated annual school-tax saving
Example 2: Travis County’s 20% exemption
Assume the value used before the county exemption is $500,000. A 20% exemption would remove $100,000:
If the county rate were $0.3700 per $100, the estimated saving from that percentage exemption would be $370. This example does not include the school, city, health district, community college or other units.
Example 3: home worth less than the school exemption
If the school district’s taxable-value starting point is $125,000 and the full $140,000 general school exemption applies, school taxable value can be reduced to zero. The unused $15,000 does not become cash and cannot be shifted to a city or county line.
Why online calculators may disagree with the final bill
- The calculator may use a proposed rather than adopted rate.
- The property may be inside a MUD, PID, ESD or another special district.
- The appraisal limitation may change net appraised value.
- A new improvement may be added outside the ordinary limitation.
- An exemption may begin partway through the year.
- A senior or disability tax ceiling may control the result.
- The account may have a prior-year correction or supplemental bill.
Documents and information to prepare before applying
Preparing the account information and readable supporting files before opening the portal helps prevent timeouts, mismatches and additional-document notices.
| Item | What to provide | Where to find it | Common error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property account | TCAD account number and situs address | TCAD property search or appraisal notice | Entering a mortgage loan number |
| Texas identification | Front of Texas driver license or state ID showing the homestead address | Texas Department of Public Safety | Uploading an expired, blurred or address-mismatched image |
| Ownership date | Date the applicant acquired the qualifying interest | Deed, settlement statement or ownership record | Using the first mortgage-payment date |
| Occupancy date | Date the home became the principal residence | Actual move-in records | Assuming it must equal the closing date |
| Legal name | Applicant name consistent with ID and ownership records | Government ID and recorded deed | Using only a nickname or unmatched married name |
| Owner ID and PIN | Portal registration credentials when requested | Notice of Appraised Value or TCAD customer service | Using tax-office payment credentials in the TCAD portal |
| Special-category proof | Age, SSA disability, VA rating, survivor, heirship or trust evidence | Issuing agency or legal records | Claiming a category without its required evidence |
Applicant-specific document checklist
Standard homeowner
- Property account number
- Texas driver license or state ID
- Ownership and occupancy dates
- Prior homestead information, if applicable
- Completed Form 50-114 or online equivalent
Special ownership or status
- Heirship, trust or manufactured-home records
- Social Security disability evidence
- VA rating or compensation evidence
- Death and marriage records for survivor claims
- Applicable Form 50-114-A affidavit
How to apply for the Travis County homestead exemption
TCAD accepts homestead applications online, by mail or at its office. Filing directly with TCAD is free. The online route is usually the easiest way to upload documents, receive updates and track status.
Confirm the property is in Travis County
Open TCAD’s property-search page. Search by address, account number or owner name. Select the correct record and confirm the situs address, owner, legal description and taxing entities.
Check whether a homestead already appears
Review the exemptions and taxable-value section for the relevant year. Do not file a duplicate application merely because the market value did not fall. The exemption normally affects taxable value.
Update the identification address when required
The standard application requires a Texas driver license or state identification certificate showing the property address. Use the official state process to update it, or prepare valid exception documentation.
Open TCAD’s secure application
Navigate from TCAD’s official homestead page and select Apply Online. Confirm that the destination is the portal linked by TCAD before uploading identification.
Create or access the portal account
Enter the email address requested by the portal and complete account verification. Register the property using the Owner ID and PIN when prompted. These details may appear on the Notice of Appraised Value; contact TCAD if they are unavailable.
Select the correct exemption categories
Choose the general residence homestead exemption and only the additional categories for which the owner qualifies. Age-65, disability, disabled-veteran and survivor categories have separate legal requirements.
Enter ownership and occupancy dates accurately
Use the actual acquisition date and the date the home became the applicant’s principal residence. These dates can differ and may affect the first eligible tax year or prorated benefit.
Upload clear supporting files
Check that every image is readable, correctly oriented and complete. Use descriptive filenames such as “Texas-ID-front.pdf” or “VA-rating-letter.pdf.” Do not upload unrelated bank, medical or identity information.
Review, certify and submit
Recheck the property account, names, dates, exemption boxes and attachments. Complete the required certification. Save the confirmation number, submission email and a copy of every uploaded document.
Track the application and verify the result
TCAD says action will occur within 90 days. Online applicants receive processing updates by email. Check the portal and property search, but allow time for the public record to update.
Paper filing options
Travis Central Appraisal District
P.O. Box 149012
Austin, TX 78714-9012
Use a trackable mailing method and retain a complete copy. Do not send the form to the Travis County Tax Office.
In person
Travis Central Appraisal District
850 East Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78752
Check current hours and closure notices before traveling.
Deadline, late application and retroactive correction
Regular filing deadline
The regular Travis County homestead application deadline is April 30. If April 30 falls on a weekend, TCAD states that the deadline moves to the following Monday. File as soon as eligibility begins rather than waiting for the final day.
Can a homeowner file late?
A general residence-homestead application may generally be filed no later than two years after the date the applicable taxes become delinquent. Special exemption categories can have different late-filing rules, so confirm the eligible years with TCAD.
How a prior-year refund is processed
- Identify the missing exemption year or years.
- Confirm that ownership and occupancy requirements were met.
- Submit the application and proof requested by TCAD.
- Wait for TCAD to approve the exemption and correct the appraisal roll.
- TCAD transmits exemption and value updates to the Travis County Tax Office.
- If the corrected amount is lower after taxes were paid, the Tax Office states that it automatically sends the resulting refund within 60 days after receiving the update.
- Confirm the payee and mailing address, particularly if a mortgage servicer paid the bill.
Special rules for recent Travis County homebuyers
Texas law allows some buyers to receive a prorated general residence-homestead exemption when a property becomes their principal residence during the year. TCAD explains that the owner may claim the exemption as early as the move-in date when the prior owner did not already receive a residence-homestead exemption on that property for the year and the buyer is not claiming one elsewhere.
New-buyer checklist
- Search the TCAD account under the property address and previous owner.
- Confirm whether the previous owner’s homestead remains on the account.
- Record the closing date and actual principal-residence move-in date.
- Update the Texas identification address.
- File after ownership and occupancy conditions are met.
- Ask TCAD whether the application will be prorated for the purchase year.
- Review the closing disclosure for seller tax credits and prorations.
- Check for a supplemental or corrected bill after prior exemptions are removed.
Why a bill may rise after buying from a senior
An age-65 exemption and tax ceiling belong to the qualifying prior owner. They do not transfer automatically to the buyer. When those benefits are removed, the new owner’s bill may be higher than an online listing, lender estimate or prior-year bill suggested.
Age-65, disability, veteran and surviving-spouse exemptions
Age 65 or older
An owner can apply for the age-65 exemption during the year the owner turns 65. TCAD requires proof of age; the front of a Texas driver license or Texas identification card is an accepted form of proof.
For 2026, the statewide school exemption includes the $140,000 general amount plus an additional $60,000 for an eligible age-65 homeowner. Local entities may add their own fixed exemptions. TCAD’s July 19, 2026 listing shows $145,269 for Travis County and $204,000 for the City of Austin for qualifying age-65 or disabled homesteads.
School tax ceiling
The school tax ceiling limits qualifying school taxes after an owner receives the age-65 or disabled-person exemption. It is separate from the additional dollar exemption. The ceiling can change for qualifying new improvements and certain statutory tax-rate or exemption adjustments.
Disabled-person exemption
The Texas disabled-person exemption uses a legal standard connected to Social Security disability requirements. A diagnosis, disabled-parking placard or private disability policy does not automatically establish eligibility. TCAD may request Social Security Administration documentation or other proof allowed by the form.
Partial disabled-veteran exemption
| Service-connected disability rating | Exempt value | Application point |
|---|---|---|
| 10%–29% | Up to $5,000 | Provide qualifying VA or military-branch documentation. |
| 30%–49% | Up to $7,500 | Verify the eligible property and rating year. |
| 50%–69% | Up to $10,000 | Use the correct disabled-veteran application category. |
| 70%–100% | Up to $12,000 | Do not confuse this tier with the total homestead exemption. |
100% disabled-veteran residence-homestead exemption
A qualifying veteran who receives 100% disability compensation because of a service-connected disability and is rated 100% disabled or individually unemployable by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may qualify for a total exemption of the residence homestead.
Surviving spouses
Benefits may continue or become available for qualifying surviving spouses of an age-65 or disabled homeowner, disabled veteran, service member killed or fatally injured in the line of duty, or qualifying first responder. Each category has its own age, remarriage, ownership, occupancy and documentation rules.
For continuation of an age-65 benefit, TCAD states that the surviving spouse generally must be at least 55 when the qualifying spouse dies and must continue to own and occupy the home. Submit proof of age and death with the application.
Homestead exemption versus the 10% appraisal limitation
Exemption
Subtracts a fixed amount or percentage from the value taxed by a particular entity.
Appraisal limitation
Generally restricts annual growth in net appraised value after the owner has qualified for the required period.
The residence-homestead appraisal limitation generally uses the lesser of current market value or the prior appraised value plus 10%, plus the market value of qualifying new improvements. It does not guarantee that the tax bill will rise by no more than 10% because tax rates, exemptions and taxing-unit boundaries can also change.
Why market value still matters
A capped net appraised value can remain below market value for several years. If market value remains high, the capped value may continue increasing in later years until it catches up. Review both numbers on the Notice of Appraised Value.
New improvements
A new structure or addition—such as a pool, garage or major expansion—may be added outside the ordinary 10% calculation. Normal repair and maintenance are not automatically treated the same as a new improvement.
Moving, selling, divorce and ownership changes
Moving to another Texas residence
- Notify TCAD when the Travis County property is no longer the principal residence.
- File a new homestead application with the appraisal district serving the new home.
- Do not claim both homes as principal residence homesteads.
- If age 65 or disabled, ask about transferring the school tax-ceiling percentage.
- Save the former district’s ceiling certificate and provide it to the new district.
Selling the property
The exemption is based on the qualifying owner and residence. It does not become the buyer’s exemption. The buyer must establish independent eligibility, and removal of the seller’s special benefits can lead to a corrected or supplemental bill.
Divorce or change in ownership percentage
Contact TCAD when a divorce decree, deed, death, trust transfer or other event changes ownership or occupancy. Provide the controlling documents and ask how the general exemption, special exemption and tax ceiling will be allocated or continued.
Tax payment options for qualifying homeowners
Four-payment installment option
Owners with qualifying age-65, disabled, disabled-veteran or survivor exemptions may be eligible to pay homestead taxes in four installments without penalty and interest when the enrollment requirements and first-payment deadline are met.
The Travis County Tax Office directs eligible owners to enroll through its property-account search and submit the required letter of intent. Verify the year’s dates; the regular schedule commonly continues through February, March, May and July.
Residence-homestead tax deferral
Certain age-65 or disabled homeowners can defer property taxes while they continue to own and occupy the home. A deferral postpones collection—it does not erase the tax.
The Tax Deferral Affidavit must be notarized. The Travis County Tax Office states that it may be filed in person at 2433 Ridgepoint Drive or mailed to P.O. Box 149328, Austin, TX 78714.
How to verify that TCAD approved the exemption
Do not rely only on a submission confirmation. A confirmation proves that a filing was transmitted, not that the exemption was approved.
- Open the official TCAD property search.
- Search by account number or situs address.
- Open the correct property record.
- Confirm the owner and current tax year.
- Locate the exemption section and look for the applicable HS, OV65, DP or veteran category.
- Review net appraised value and taxable value for each taxing entity.
- Compare those figures with the Notice of Appraised Value.
- After tax bills are issued, open the Travis County Tax Office account search.
- Confirm that the final bill uses the corrected taxable values.
What to save after approval
- TCAD approval email or notice
- Updated property-account page
- Application confirmation and attachments
- Notice of Appraised Value
- Corrected or final tax statement
- Refund correspondence, if applicable
Portal and application troubleshooting
Property not found
- Search using only the street number and main street name.
- Remove punctuation, unit symbols and directional abbreviations.
- Try the previous owner after a recent closing.
- Use the TCAD account—not the loan or tax-payment number.
- Confirm the address is inside Travis County.
Owner name not updated
- Check whether the deed has been recorded.
- Compare the deed’s legal description with the TCAD record.
- Submit ownership evidence with the application.
- Contact TCAD before creating duplicate accounts.
Owner ID or PIN missing
- Check the Notice of Appraised Value.
- Use TCAD’s customer-service contact route.
- Call the exemption helpline at 512-873-1560.
- Do not use a PIN supplied by an unsolicited mailer.
Upload fails
- Rename the file using letters, numbers and hyphens.
- Reduce oversized scans while keeping text readable.
- Try PDF, JPG or the format accepted by the portal.
- Use a current browser or private window.
- Use paper filing if the deadline is close.
Application remains pending
- Locate the submission confirmation and date.
- Check email, spam and portal messages.
- Confirm that requested documents were uploaded.
- Allow TCAD’s stated processing period of up to 90 days.
- Call with the account and confirmation numbers ready.
Approved exemption missing from bill
- Confirm the approval applies to the billed year.
- Ask TCAD whether the appraisal roll was corrected.
- Allow for TCAD’s monthly update to the Tax Office.
- Check for a corrected statement or refund.
- Notify the mortgage servicer.
What to do if TCAD denies or removes the exemption
First identify the exact reason
Common issues include an ownership record that has not updated, an identification-address mismatch, another homestead claim, insufficient proof of principal residence, missing special-category evidence or an unanswered verification notice.
Build a focused evidence packet
- Copy of the submitted application
- Online confirmation or mailing proof
- Written denial or cancellation notice
- Recorded deed or qualifying ownership record
- Texas identification and valid address evidence
- Occupancy records relevant to the disputed period
- SSA, VA, death, marriage, trust or heirship evidence when applicable
- A short timeline explaining acquisition, occupancy and filing dates
Contact TCAD before the protest deadline
Ask whether the problem can be resolved by providing a missing document. Record the staff member’s name, date, instructions and upload or delivery method. A customer-service conversation does not automatically extend the protest deadline.
File a protest when necessary
The Travis Appraisal Review Board can hear disputes involving exemption denial or cancellation. For most value protests, the deadline is May 15 or 30 days after TCAD mails the Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later. For an exemption decision, use the deadline printed on the specific notice.
Micro-steps for TCAD’s protest portal
- Open TCAD’s official protest page.
- Select the online filing option.
- Create or access the property-owner portal.
- Register the property with the Owner ID and PIN.
- Select denial or cancellation of an exemption as the protest ground.
- Add a market-value ground only if value is also disputed.
- State the requested correction and eligible tax year.
- Upload the application, notice and supporting evidence.
- Save the immediate filing confirmation.
- Review TCAD’s evidence and attend the informal meeting or ARB hearing.
2026 homestead verification notices
Texas appraisal districts must review residence-homestead exemptions at least once every five tax years. TCAD announced that owners who began claiming a homestead exemption between 2010 and 2019 are included in its 2026 verification program.
No action is required merely because an account falls within that period. TCAD says affected owners should respond only if they receive a verification notice requesting information.
If you receive a verification notice
- Confirm the letter references the correct property and TCAD account.
- Navigate independently to TCAD’s official verification page.
- Read the deadline shown on the notice.
- Prepare a valid Texas driver license or ID showing the property address.
- Complete the verification online, by mail or at TCAD’s office.
- Save proof of submission.
- Check the account after processing.
TCAD states that action on a verification submission will occur within 90 days. If TCAD concludes that the exemption should not continue, the owner receives notice and an opportunity to protest.
Official Travis County contacts, addresses and map
Travis Central Appraisal District
Use for: homestead applications, exemption status, Owner ID/PIN, ownership records, appraised values, verification notices and protests.
Office:
850 East Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78752
Mail:
P.O. Box 149012
Austin, TX 78714-9012
Main phone: 512-834-9317
Exemption helpline: 512-873-1560
Email: CSInfo@tcadcentral.org
General office hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 7:45 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 9 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Exemption helpline: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Verify TCAD contact details ↗Travis County Tax Office
Use for: tax bills, payments, receipts, refunds after a TCAD correction, payment plans, installments and deferral processing.
Property-tax office:
Nelda Wells Spears Building
2433 Ridgepoint Drive
Austin, TX 78754-5231
Property-tax mail:
P.O. Box 149328
Austin, TX 78714-9328
Phone: 512-854-9473
Email: TaxOffice@TravisCountyTX.gov
Phone hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Ridgepoint property-tax walk-in hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Office lines may close early when capacity is reached. Verify closures before traveling.
Check Tax Office locations and hours ↗Travis County homestead exemption FAQs
What is the Travis County homestead exemption in 2026?
A qualifying homeowner receives the mandatory $140,000 school-district exemption. Travis County also provides a 20% general homestead exemption, subject to a $5,000 minimum. Other local entities use their own adopted amounts.
How much can the Travis County homestead exemption save?
TCAD reported that homestead exemptions saved the average Travis County property owner $3,663 on the 2025 tax bill. Individual savings vary by value, taxing entities, exemption categories and rates.
Is the Travis County homestead application free?
Yes. TCAD does not charge a government filing fee, and homeowners do not need to hire a company to complete the application.
Where do I apply for a Travis County homestead exemption?
Apply through the Travis Central Appraisal District online portal, mail the application to P.O. Box 149012, Austin, TX 78714-9012, or submit it at 850 East Anderson Lane, Austin.
What is the Travis County homestead deadline?
The regular deadline is April 30. TCAD states that when April 30 falls on a weekend, the deadline moves to the following Monday.
Can I file the Travis County homestead exemption late?
A general residence-homestead application may generally be filed up to two years after the applicable taxes become delinquent. Ask TCAD which tax years remain eligible.
Can I apply immediately after buying a home?
Once you own and occupy the property as your principal residence, you may apply. A prorated purchase-year exemption may be available if the prior owner did not already receive a homestead exemption on that property for the year and you are not claiming one elsewhere.
Does my Texas driver license need the property address?
The standard application requires a Texas driver license or state ID showing the homestead address. Limited statutory exceptions require supporting affidavits or evidence.
How long does TCAD take to process an application?
TCAD states that action on an application will occur within 90 days. Its FAQ advises owners to check the property search after submission and use the portal for status updates.
Do I need to reapply every year?
Usually not. Reapply if TCAD requests it, you move, eligibility changes or the exemption requires verification. Appraisal districts must audit homestead records at least once every five tax years.
Can I claim a homestead exemption on two homes?
No. A person may receive the residence-homestead exemption on only one principal residence and cannot claim another homestead in Texas or elsewhere.
Does the exemption lower TCAD’s market value?
No. It reduces taxable value for applicable entities. Market value, net appraised value and taxable value can all be different.
What is the City of Austin homestead exemption for 2026?
TCAD’s July 19, 2026 listing shows a 20% general City of Austin homestead exemption with a $5,000 minimum, plus a $204,000 local exemption for qualifying age-65 or disabled homesteads.
What additional exemption does Travis County give seniors?
TCAD’s July 19, 2026 exemption listing shows a $145,269 Travis County local exemption for qualifying age-65 or disabled homesteads, in addition to the county’s 20% general homestead exemption.
Can inherited property receive a homestead exemption?
Yes. A qualifying heir-property owner who occupies the home may apply, although TCAD may request affidavits, a death certificate, a utility bill and available ownership or court records.
Can a mobile home qualify if I do not own the land?
Yes. TCAD instructs applicants to include a copy of the mobile-home title or a verified purchase contract with the exemption application.
What should I do if TCAD denies the exemption?
Read the denial reason, gather ownership and occupancy evidence, contact TCAD and file a timely protest with the Travis Appraisal Review Board when the issue cannot be resolved administratively.
How do I verify that the exemption is active?
Search the official TCAD property record, confirm the correct exemption code and review taxable value for every taxing unit. Then compare those figures with the final Travis County tax bill.
Will my mortgage payment fall after approval?
Not necessarily or immediately. Send the corrected tax bill to the mortgage servicer and request an escrow analysis. The change may reduce a future payment, offset a shortage or produce an escrow refund.
Who should I call for homestead application help?
Call TCAD’s exemption helpline at 512-873-1560. TCAD announced that the line is staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Official verification resources
- TCAD Homestead Exemptions
- TCAD Online Homestead Application
- TCAD Property Search
- TCAD Forms and Filing Options
- TCAD Homestead Verification
- 2026 Travis County Taxing-Entity Exemption Listing
- Texas Form 50-114
- Texas Form 50-114-A
- Texas Comptroller Exemption Guidance
- Texas Tax Code Chapter 11
- TCAD Protest Process
- Travis County Property-Tax Account Search
- Travis County Property-Tax Dates
- Travis County Tax Office Contact Page
Title: Travis County Homestead Exemption: Rules & Savings
Slug: travis-county-homestead-exemption
Focus keyword: Travis County homestead exemption
Information reviewed against official Travis Central Appraisal District, Travis County Tax Office, Texas Comptroller and Texas statute resources on . Verify account-specific amounts and deadlines before filing.