Homestead Exemption
The Tarrant County TX Homestead Exemption helps qualifying homeowners reduce the taxable value of their residence homestead and may limit future increases in appraised value through the homestead cap. This article explains how the exemption works, which properties and homeowners may qualify, what documents are needed, how to submit an application through the Tarrant Appraisal District, and where to get assistance with the process.
Homestead Exemption Basics
A homestead exemption removes all or part of the value of a residence homestead from taxation when authorized by the State or adopted by a local taxing unit. The exemption can reduce the taxable value used to calculate property taxes. A homestead exemption also limits increases in appraised value to 10% annually. This limitation is commonly called a homestead cap.
The homestead cap applies to the increase in appraised value, but the limitation may exceed the 10% increase when additional improvements, land, or extensive renovations are added to the residence homestead.
Qualifying property owners must submit an application to receive a homestead exemption. In some situations, the chief appraiser may request a subsequent application to continue exemption benefits. There is no fee for filing a homestead exemption application.
The official Homestead Exemption application page from the Tarrant Appraisal District provides the forms and application process for homeowners seeking this property tax benefit.
Residence Homestead Definition
A residence homestead is a structure, including a mobile home, and land up to 20 acres that meets specific requirements. The property must be owned by one or more individuals or a qualifying trust, designed or adapted for human residence, used as a residence, and occupied by the owner or owners as their principal residence.
The exemption is based on the property being used as the homeowner’s primary residence. A property owner who qualifies must provide the required information and documentation when submitting the application.
Application Requirements
Before submitting a Tarrant County homestead exemption application, homeowners should gather identification and any documents required for the specific exemption category. The application process requires documentation that supports ownership, residence, or special exemption status when applicable.
The basic identification requirement includes:
A copy of a Texas driver’s license or personal identification certificate.
The Texas Department of Public Safety address on the identification must match the homestead address.
License to carry identification and election identification certificates are not accepted forms of identification.
Applicants should also prepare any additional documents required for the exemption type they are requesting. The Tarrant Appraisal District removes uploaded files from its website after an application has been processed and routinely deletes uploaded files connected with incomplete applications for privacy and safety purposes.
General Residence Exemption
The general residence homestead exemption is available to taxpayers who own and occupy a property as their residence homestead as of January 1 of the tax year. A qualified property owner may claim the residence homestead exemption as of the date they own and occupy the property as their principal residence if the previous owner did not claim a homestead exemption during the same tax year.
For this exemption, applicants must provide:
A copy of a Texas driver’s license or personal identification certificate.
New homeowners who meet the requirements can submit an application through the Tarrant Appraisal District. The application must be completed and submitted with the required documentation before the exemption can be considered.
Heir Property Exemption
Some homeowners may qualify for a residence homestead exemption when they own heir property. Heir property is property owned by one or more individuals where at least one owner claims the property as a residence homestead, and the property was acquired through a will, transfer on death deed, or intestacy.
An heir property owner who is not specifically identified as the residence homestead owner on a deed or other recorded instrument in the county where the property is located must provide additional ownership documentation.
Required documents may include:
An affidavit establishing ownership interest in the property.
A copy of the prior property owner’s death certificate.
A copy of the property’s most recent utility bill.
A citation of any available court record related to the applicant’s ownership of the property.
An affidavit from each other heir property owner who occupies the property as a principal residence authorizing submission of the application.
Over 65 Exemption
Property owners who are age 65 or older may qualify for an additional homestead exemption. The exemption is available in the year the property owner becomes 65 years old.
By state law, the over-65 exemption is $10,000 for school districts. Other taxing units may adopt this exemption and determine the amount offered. This exemption also limits the amount of school taxes a qualifying homeowner pays each year through a tax ceiling, also known as a tax freeze.
If a homeowner qualifies for the over-65 exemption and later moves to another qualified Texas homestead, the homeowner may be able to transfer the same percentage of tax paid to the new homestead through a ceiling transfer.
Required documents for an over-65 exemption may include:
Proof of age for a surviving spouse.
Proof of death of the deceased spouse.
A copy of a Texas driver’s license or personal identification certificate.
Disabled Person Exemption
A homeowner who meets the Social Security Administration’s standards for disability may qualify for a disabled person homestead exemption. The exemption applies to individuals with a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
A person receiving disability benefits under the Federal Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Program may also qualify.
The disabled person exemption provides a school tax ceiling similar to the over-65 exemption. If a qualifying homeowner moves to another qualified Texas homestead, the tax ceiling may be transferable through a ceiling transfer request.
Required documentation may include:
A currently dated disability letter from one doctor, or a currently dated Social Security Administration award letter showing the date the applicant became disabled.
A copy of a Texas driver’s license or personal identification certificate.
The Physician’s Statement for Disability Homestead Exemption form may be used when physician documentation is required instead of Social Security disability documentation.
Disabled Veteran Exemptions
Tarrant Appraisal District provides several homestead exemption options for qualifying disabled veterans and surviving spouses. These exemptions depend on specific eligibility requirements and supporting documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs or other required sources.
100% Disabled Veteran
A disabled veteran who receives 100% disability compensation due to a service-connected disability and has a Department of Veterans Affairs rating of 100% disabled or individual unemployability may receive an exemption from taxation of the total appraised value of a qualifying residence homestead.
Required documents may include:
Documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs showing 100% compensation due to a service-connected disability.
Documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs naming a surviving spouse when applicable.
A death certificate when applicable.
A copy of a Texas driver’s license or personal identification certificate.
Donated Veteran Residence
Texas law provides partial exemptions for certain disabled veterans who own and occupy homes donated by charitable organizations. The exemption amount is determined by the percentage of service-connected disability.
Applicants may need:
Documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs showing the percentage of disability awarded.
Proof of donation by a charitable organization.
A copy of a Texas driver’s license or personal identification certificate.
Surviving Spouse Exemptions
Some surviving spouses may qualify for continued homestead exemption benefits when eligibility requirements are met. These exemptions include surviving spouses of certain veterans, armed services members killed in the line of duty, and first responders killed while on duty.
Required documents depend on the exemption category and may include marriage documentation, death records, agency documentation, and a Texas driver’s license or personal identification certificate.
Trust-Owned Property Rules
Property held in a trust may qualify for a homestead exemption when the trust meets the requirements for a qualifying trust. Applicants must provide trust documentation showing information about the trust and the right of the trustor to use and occupy the property as their principal residence.
The documentation must establish:
The name of the trust.
The name of the trustor.
The trustor’s right to use and occupy the property as a principal residence under the trust terms.
The trustor’s notarized signature.
Homeowners may bring trust documentation to the Tarrant Appraisal District customer service section for copies needed during the application process.
Submitting the Application
Homeowners can complete the online application process through the Tarrant Appraisal District website. The application is completed through the TrueRoll form system, and the application is not received by the district until the applicant submits the application and receives a submission confirmation number.
Applicants may also download the form and submit it by mail, hand delivery, drop box, or email using the application instructions provided by the Tarrant Appraisal District.
The Applying for a Homestead Exemption information page explains the submission options and provides additional instructions for homeowners completing the process.
Common Application Mistakes
Homestead exemption applications may require different documentation depending on the homeowner’s situation. Common issues include missing supporting documents, identification that does not match the homestead address, or selecting an exemption type without providing the required proof.
Homeowners can reduce delays by reviewing the required documents for their exemption category before submitting the application. Applicants should also confirm that the online submission has been completed and that a confirmation number has been received.
Contacting the Appraisal District
The Tarrant Appraisal District Exemption Division assists homeowners with homestead exemption questions and application assistance. Homeowners can contact an Exemptions Specialist representative for help with exemption matters.
The district’s Contact Us page provides general contact information and additional department phone numbers.
Relevant Offices
Tarrant Appraisal District Exemption Division
2500 Handley-Ederville Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76118-6909
(817) 284-4063
Tarrant Appraisal District
2500 Handley-Ederville Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76118-6909
(817) 284-0024
Homestead Exemption FAQs
When should I submit my homestead exemption application?
Homeowners can submit a homestead exemption application after they own and occupy the property as their principal residence. The application must be completed and submitted to the Tarrant Appraisal District with the required documentation. For online applications, homeowners should make sure the process is fully completed and that a submission confirmation number is received. More details about submission methods are available on the Applying for a Homestead Exemption page.
What documents should I prepare before applying?
Applicants should have a copy of their Texas driver’s license or personal identification certificate before starting the process. The identification must be issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the address must match the homestead address. Additional documents may be required depending on the exemption category, such as documents for heir property, disability status, veteran exemptions, or trust-owned property.
Can I apply if the property is owned through a trust?
A property held in a trust may qualify when the trust meets the requirements for a qualifying trust. Homeowners should provide trust pages showing the trust name, trustor name, and the trustor’s right to use and occupy the property as their principal residence. The trustor’s notarized signature must also be included in the documentation.
Do I need to reapply every year after approval?
After the chief appraiser grants a homestead exemption, homeowners generally do not need to submit a new application each year. A subsequent application may be required if requested by the chief appraiser or if the homeowner wants the exemption applied to property not listed in the original application.
How can I apply for an exemption for disability or veteran status?
Homeowners requesting additional exemptions must submit the appropriate supporting documents with their application. Disability exemption applicants may provide a current Social Security Administration award letter or a completed physician statement when required. Disabled veteran exemptions require documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The available forms and application information are provided through the Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page.