Just closed on a home in Fort Worth and wondering how to trim your property tax bill? You are not alone. The Texas residence homestead exemption is one of the easiest ways to reduce what you owe, but the rules and deadlines can feel confusing at first. In this guide, you will learn who qualifies, when to file, and exactly how to submit your application in Tarrant County. Let’s dive in.
What the homestead exemption does
A residence homestead exemption lowers the taxable value of your primary home. A lower taxable value typically means you pay less in property taxes after local taxing units set their rates for the year.
In Tarrant County, the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) manages exemptions. TAD reviews applications and applies approved exemptions to the appraisal roll. Taxing units then calculate your bill based on the reduced value. For a clear overview of how Texas treats residence homesteads, review the Texas Comptroller’s guidance on the residence homestead exemption.
Who qualifies in Tarrant County
Most new owners fall under the standard rule: you must both own and occupy the home as your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year. If you closed and moved in late December and were living there on January 1, you can seek that year’s exemption. If you bought after January 1, you will apply for the next year.
Special eligibility categories can add benefits:
- Age 65 or older
- Persons with disabilities
- Disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses
- Surviving spouse of a qualified homeowner, subject to specific rules
If your ownership or primary residence status changes, your exemption must stop or be updated. For example, if you move, sell, or convert the property to a rental, notify TAD.
Deadlines and timing
The main deadline to receive the exemption for the current tax year is April 30. TAD generally needs to receive your application by that date.
If you miss April 30, you can still apply. In most cases, the exemption will take effect the following tax year. Some late filings and special categories have unique timing, so it is smart to review TAD’s instructions on the Exemptions page.
Once your homestead exemption is granted, it typically remains in place in future years. You do not refile annually unless your ownership or occupancy changes.
How to file with Tarrant Appraisal District
You file your homestead exemption with TAD, not with the county tax office. TAD reviews eligibility and places approved exemptions on the appraisal roll.
Here is what you will usually need:
- Completed residence homestead application form. You can use the Comptroller’s statewide Form 50-114.
- Proof of ownership, such as a deed or closing statement.
- Proof of occupancy and identity, like a Texas driver’s license or state ID with the homestead address. If your ID address is not updated yet, TAD may accept other proof, such as a voter registration, vehicle registration, or utility bill.
Submission options:
- Download and complete the application, then submit by mail or in person to TAD.
- Check TAD’s site for any online submission options available on the Exemptions page.
After filing:
- TAD will review your application. If approved, you will see the exemption on your Notice of Appraised Value and in property records.
- If TAD needs more information or denies the application, they will notify you. You can respond with documents or explore appeal options.
If you want to browse general TAD info or look up your property record, start at the Tarrant Appraisal District home page.
Common homestead exemption types
Several exemptions can affect your Tarrant County tax bill. The exact amount or percentage depends on the taxing units that apply to your property. Always review your property record to see what has been applied.
- General residence homestead. Reduces taxable value for your primary residence.
- Over-65 and disabled person exemptions. Often provide larger reductions and can create a “school tax ceiling,” which stabilizes school district taxes at the amount owed when you first qualify. Other taxing units may still change unless they also grant special treatment.
- Disabled veteran and surviving spouse exemptions. These can offer partial or full exemptions depending on the disability rating and eligibility. Surviving spouses may qualify in certain cases.
For local details and forms, use TAD’s Exemptions page and the Comptroller’s residence homestead guide.
Real-world examples for Fort Worth homeowners
- You closed and moved in on December 28, and you were living in the home on January 1. You can file for that year, as long as your application arrives by April 30.
- You bought on July 1. You did not own and occupy the home on January 1 of that year, so plan to apply for the next tax year.
- You moved from another Texas homestead. Your prior exemption does not automatically transfer. File a new application with TAD, and if you previously had an over-65 or disabled exemption, ask about transferring those benefits.
- You live in the home but rent a room or run a business from part of the property. Only the portion used as your primary residence qualifies. Mixed-use situations can be complex, so contact TAD for guidance.
- Your application was denied. You may supply additional documentation or explore appeal options. Watch deadlines on your appraisal notice for any protest steps.
Quick filing checklist
- Confirm you owned and occupied the home as your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year you want to claim.
- Gather proof of ownership and proof of occupancy or ID showing the homestead address.
- Complete the application using the Comptroller’s Form 50-114 or any current TAD form.
- Submit to TAD by April 30. Check the TAD Exemptions page for accepted submission methods.
- Review your annual Notice of Appraised Value to confirm the exemption appears, and contact TAD if anything looks off.
Local resources for Tarrant County homeowners
- Tarrant Appraisal District Exemptions and forms: TAD Exemptions page
- Texas Comptroller overview of residence homesteads: Residence homestead exemption
- Application form: Comptroller Form 50-114
- General info: Tarrant Appraisal District home page
- Property tax billing and payment: Tarrant County Tax Office
Your next step
Filing your homestead exemption is one of the simplest ways to protect your budget in Fort Worth. If you are unsure about timing, documents, or how the exemption interacts with your larger move or future sale, our team is here to help you plan with confidence. For local guidance before, during, and after closing, connect with Angelique Burkett to get your free home valuation and a clear next step.
FAQs
Who handles homestead exemptions in Fort Worth and Tarrant County?
- The Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) manages homestead exemptions, not the county tax office; start with TAD’s Exemptions page.
What is the deadline to file a Texas homestead exemption in Tarrant County?
- File by April 30 to have the exemption apply to the current tax year; if you miss it, your approval will usually begin the following year.
Do I qualify if I bought my Fort Worth home after January 1?
- If you did not own and occupy the home on January 1, you will typically apply for the next tax year once you meet the eligibility requirements.
Do I need to reapply for my homestead exemption each year?
- No, once granted it usually remains in place unless your ownership or principal residence status changes; always check your annual appraisal notice to confirm it is still applied.
Can I file my Tarrant County homestead exemption online?
- Many appraisal districts offer online options; check TAD’s current instructions on the Exemptions page for available methods.
Will the homestead exemption reduce my tax bill dollar-for-dollar?
- No, it lowers your taxable value, and your final tax savings depend on the exemption amount and the combined rates from your local taxing units.
