Homestead Exemptions for 2012 in Texas

If you purchased a home in Texas in 2011 and you are living in the house on January 1, 2012 as your primary residence, you should be eligible to apply for your Texas Homestead Exemption. As a Texas homestead owner, you have certain rights and privileges associated with your primary residence.

A few things you should know about the Homestead law: This summer's Texas House Bill 252 changed the proof of residency requirements for homeowners that are applying for the property tax homestead exemption. 

The new law requires that applicants provide the following proof of ownership:

• Application for residential homestead exemption
• Proof of Texas Driver’s License or Texas Identification Card with matching property address to the homestead you are claiming
• Proof of Vehicle Registration Receipt. Again, the address must match the property address for your new Texas homestead.

A few other things to remember about Homestead Exemptions: 

• You must be living in the home on January 1st to qualify for the coming year.
• Do not send in your Homestead application early. You can not file until after Jan. 1st.
• Application for Homestead in Texas is free. You do not have to pay someone to file your homestead exemption. It is free to apply and should only take you a few minutes.
• Only your principal Texas residence qualifies.

For a complete list of qualifications, rules and exceptions--see your County Tax Assessor's office. FIND TAX FORMS HERE!

Travis County

Williamson County

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