Austin property tax exemptions

Short answer

Homeowners should check Travis Central Appraisal District for homestead and other exemption rules. Filing is free through the official appraisal district, and eligibility depends on the property and owner’s circumstances.

Next steps

1. Confirm the property is your principal residence when applying for homestead treatment.
2. Review the current exemption types and required documentation.
3. File through TCAD or contact TCAD if the property record needs correction.
4. Save the confirmation, then keep an eye out for the next appraisal notice.

Key facts

• Tax Code §11.13(b): school districts must exempt $100,000 of a residence homestead's value from taxation.
• Taxing units may add a local-option homestead exemption of up to 20 percent of appraised value, never less than $5,000 (§11.13(n)).
• Filing the homestead exemption with TCAD is free; anyone charging to file it is selling what the district does at no cost.
• You file once: the homestead exemption stays in place until ownership or occupancy changes.

Checked September 6, 2026 against the official source.

Common questions

I bought this year. Can I file right away?

Yes. Texas lets new owners apply for the homestead exemption as soon as they own and occupy the home, and recent law removed the old January 1 ownership wait for a prorated benefit.

Does the exemption expire?

No annual refiling for the general homestead. The appraisal district can ask you to confirm eligibility, so answer any verification letter it sends.

Official source

• Travis Central Appraisal District exemptions

Last reviewed September 6, 2026 against the official source.

Related resident guides

• Austin property tax help and assistance: who handles what
• How to protest a Travis County appraisal