What is a Homestead Exemption?

Owning a home can be an exciting experience, but with it comes the responsibility of paying property taxes. Property taxes are calculated based on the value of your property and are used to fund public services such as schools, infrastructure, and emergency services. While property taxes are essential for the betterment of society, they can also be a significant financial burden for many homeowners. Fortunately, there are ways to lower your property taxes through homestead exemptions.

Homestead exemptions are a way to reduce the taxable value of your home by providing a tax break to homeowners who use their property as their primary residence. Homestead exemptions vary from state to state, and in some cases, from county to county. In Harris County, Houston Texas, there are different homestead exemptions available to homeowners.

The most common homestead exemption in Harris County is the general homestead exemption. This exemption provides a $25,000 deduction from the assessed value of your home, resulting in a lower property tax bill. To qualify for this exemption, you must have owned and occupied the property as your primary residence on January 1st of the tax year. Additionally, you must not claim a homestead exemption on any other property.

Another homestead exemption available in Harris County is the over-65 exemption. This exemption provides an additional $10,000 deduction for homeowners over the age of 65. To qualify for this exemption, you must have owned and occupied the property as your primary residence on January 1st of the tax year, and you or your spouse must be over the age of 65. This exemption can be combined with the general homestead exemption for a total deduction of $35,000.

For homeowners with disabilities, the disability homestead exemption is available. This exemption provides an additional $10,000 deduction for homeowners with disabilities. To qualify for this exemption, you must have owned and occupied the property as your primary residence on January 1st of the tax year, and you must have a disability recognized by a state or federal agency. This exemption can also be combined with the general homestead exemption for a total deduction of $35,000.

In addition to these exemptions, Harris County also offers a homestead exemption for surviving spouses. This exemption provides the same benefits as the general homestead exemption for surviving spouses of military service members, first responders, and firefighters who were killed in the line of duty.

To apply for a homestead exemption in Harris County, you must submit an application to the Harris County Appraisal District. The application must be submitted between January 1st and April 30th of the tax year for which you are requesting the exemption. You only need to apply once, and the exemption will remain in effect as long as you own and occupy the property as your primary residence.

In conclusion, if you own a home in Harris County, Houston Texas, homestead exemptions can provide significant savings on your property taxes. The general homestead exemption, over-65 exemption, disability homestead exemption, and surviving spouse homestead exemption are all available to eligible homeowners. To take advantage of these exemptions, be sure to apply before the April 30th deadline each year.