Homestead Exemption

This article explains how the Tarrant County, Texas Homestead Exemption works, who qualifies, the documents you’ll need, common application scenarios (new homeowners, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, surviving spouses, heir property, manufactured homes, trusts), important deadlines, and what to expect after you file. It’s written for Tarrant County homeowners who want practical, detailed instructions rooted in official rules and forms.

Understand what the Tarrant County Homestead Exemption actually does (and why it matters)

Tarrant County’s residence homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary home and places a cap on how much your appraised value can increase from year to year. When a homestead exemption is approved, a portion—or in some categories, all—of your home’s taxable value is removed from taxation as authorized by the State of Texas or by local taxing units. On top of that, the “homestead cap” limits your appraised value increases to 10% annually (not counting new improvements, added land, or extensive renovations). This cap protects you from sudden spikes in taxable value due to changing market conditions, while the exemption amount directly lowers what you owe. Qualifying owners must submit an application; there is no fee to file, and you may be asked to submit a new application later to continue receiving benefits. (Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page.)

Know what qualifies as a “residence homestead” in Tarrant County

A residence homestead is a structure (including a mobile or manufactured home) and up to 20 acres of land that you:

Own (individually or through a qualifying trust),
Use as a residence, and
Occupy as your principal residence.

If your situation matches these elements, Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) treats your property as a residence homestead for exemption purposes. (Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page.)

Gather the right ID and paperwork before you start

A smooth application begins with the right documents. Before you apply, be sure you have:

A copy of your Texas Department of Public Safety driver’s license or personal identification certificate.
The address on the ID must match the property address you’re claiming as your homestead.
License to carry and election identification certificates are not acceptable.

Any supplemental documentation required for the specific exemption type you’re seeking (detailed below).

For your privacy, TAD removes files uploaded for the purpose of filling out the application once the application has been processed and routinely deletes uploads for incomplete applications. (Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page.)

Apply the right way: online, by mail, or in person—choose the path that fits your schedule

You can complete your application online or using the downloadable county form:

Use the “Complete Form Online” option linked from the official Homestead Exemption page once you’re ready to submit; you’ll receive a submission confirmation number after pressing “Submit Application.” (Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page.)

Prefer paper? Download the 2025 Application for Residential Homestead Exemption and file by mail or hand-deliver to the TAD office.

When you’re ready to get started, you can find the official details, directions, and form links on the Homestead Exemption page and the “Applying for a Homestead Exemption” page (official guidance from TAD).

See Homestead Exemption (official instructions and online filing access).
Link: Homestead Exemption

Review the step-by-step filing overview on Applying for a Homestead Exemption.
Link: Applying for a Homestead Exemption

Download the county’s fillable application (PDF).
Link: 2025 Application for Residential Homestead Exemption (PDF)

Hit the deadlines: how and when to file in Tarrant County

Filing deadlines matter, and they’re straightforward:

General deadline: File your completed application and required documentation no later than April 30 of the tax year you’re requesting.

Special timing: If you’re 65 or older, disabled, or a partially disabled veteran with a donated homestead, you have until the first anniversary of the qualification date to apply.

Late filing: A late application for a residence homestead exemption may be filed up to two years after the standard deadline.

TAD can request additional information after you file; you generally must respond within 30 days (with a single possible 15-day extension for good cause). Once granted, you do not need to reapply annually unless TAD asks you to or you want the exemption applied to a different property. (Source: Application PDF.)

Claim the correct exemption: match your life situation to the category that fits

Homestead exemptions in Tarrant County cover several categories. Choose the one(s) that match your situation and be sure to attach the right proof.

General Residence Homestead Exemption: for owner-occupants of a primary home

You may qualify if, on the relevant date, you own and occupy the property as your principal residence and neither you nor your spouse claims a residence homestead exemption on any other property.

For most homeowners, this is the starting point.

New homeowner note: Effective January 1, 2022, a qualified new owner may claim the homestead exemption as of the date they both own and occupy the property as their principal residence if the previous owner did not claim a homestead exemption in the same tax year.

Required document: A copy of your Texas driver’s license or personal identification certificate with the homestead address. (Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page; Application PDF.)

Over-65 Exemption (and surviving spouse continuation): lock in a school tax ceiling

Available beginning the year you turn 65. By state law, this exemption includes a $10,000 school tax exemption and also establishes a school tax ceiling, commonly called a “tax freeze,” limiting the school taxes you’ll pay to the amount you owed the first or second year you qualified (whichever is lower).

Local taxing units (county, city, junior college) may adopt their own ceilings; if they have, your taxes to those units can also be limited.

Ceiling transfer: If you move to another Texas home, you can transfer the same percentage of tax paid to your new qualified homestead.

Surviving spouse (55+): If a homeowner with this exemption passes away and the surviving spouse is 55 or older, still owns the home, and keeps it as the homestead, the spouse can continue the exemptions and the tax ceiling.

Required documents: Proof of age for over-65 homeowners; for a surviving spouse, provide proof of the decedent’s death and proof of survivor’s age, plus your Texas ID. (Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page; Application PDF.)

Disabled Person Exemption (and surviving spouse continuation): relief plus a school tax ceiling

If you meet the Social Security Administration’s disability standards—defined as a medically determinable impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity expected to last at least 12 months or result in death—you may qualify for this exemption, even if you are not currently receiving disability benefits. This exemption also provides a school tax ceiling similar to the over-65 exemption.

If you move within Texas, you can transfer the same percentage of tax paid to your new qualified homestead (ceiling transfer), and similar transfers may be possible for adopted local ceilings if you move within the same taxing unit.

Required documents: Either a currently dated disability letter from a doctor (TAD Physician’s Statement form is available) or a currently dated SSA award letter stating the disability onset date, and your Texas ID.

For reference on the SSA definition of substantial gainful activity, see SSA’s SGA information.
Link: Social Security Administration – Substantial Gainful Activity
(Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page.)

100% Disabled Veteran Exemption (and eligible surviving spouse): a complete exemption for qualified service-connected disability

Veterans who receive 100% disability compensation due to a service-connected disability and hold a 100% disability rating or individual unemployability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can receive an exemption from taxation of the total appraised value of the qualifying residence homestead.

Surviving spouse eligibility: If the veteran qualified (or would have qualified) and the surviving spouse has not remarried, the property was the spouse’s homestead at the time of the veteran’s death, and it remains the spouse’s homestead, the spouse may qualify. A qualifying surviving spouse may transfer a flat dollar amount to a subsequent residence, as provided by law.

Required documents: VA documentation showing 100% compensation and rating (including effective dates), documentation naming the surviving spouse (if applicable), death certificate (if applicable), and Texas ID.

Timing note: The application for this specific exemption may be accepted up to five years after the delinquency date for property taxes. (Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page; Application PDF.)

Donated Residence Homestead of a Partially Disabled Veteran (and eligible surviving spouse): partial relief based on disability rating

For Texas resident veterans with at least 10% service-connected disability who own and occupy a home donated by a charitable organization, Texas law provides a partial exemption based on the veteran’s disability rating. A surviving spouse may qualify if they are a Texas resident and have not remarried.

Required documents: VA documentation indicating the disability percentage, proof of donation by a charitable organization, and Texas ID.

Timing note: Applications for this specific exemption may be accepted up to five years after the delinquency date. (Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page; Application PDF.)

Surviving Spouse of Armed Services Member Killed in the Line of Duty: 100% homestead exemption

If you are the unremarried surviving spouse of a U.S. armed services member who was killed or fatally injured in the line of duty, you may be entitled to a 100% property tax exemption on your residence homestead.

Required documents: Report of casualty from the armed services, marriage license, and Texas ID. (Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page; Application PDF.)

Surviving Spouse of a First Responder Killed in the Line of Duty: 100% homestead exemption

If you are the unremarried surviving spouse of a first responder who was killed or fatally injured in the line of duty (as determined under the Employees Retirement System of Texas process), you may be entitled to a 100% exemption on your residence homestead.

Required documents: Documentation that the death occurred in the line of duty per ERS of Texas, marriage license, and Texas ID. (Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page; Application PDF.)

Make your first filing count: how to complete the application without delays

TAD emphasizes that incomplete applications or missing required documents can lead to denial. Use this checklist to avoid the most common issues:

Match your ID address to the property address exactly. The chief appraiser is prohibited from allowing a homestead exemption unless the addresses match (with narrow exceptions and possible waivers for certain active duty military members/spouses or specific license holders).

Answer occupancy questions fully: Provide the date you began occupying the property as your principal residence and supply the complete address of your previous residence.

Disclose other residential properties you own in Texas and whether you’re claiming an exemption elsewhere; for another county, include documentation verifying removal of any existing homestead exemption there.

State acreage occupied as your residence (up to 20 acres).

Report income-producing use if any portion of the homestead is used for income; provide the percentage.

Attach the right evidence for your category (over-65, disabled person, veteran, surviving spouse, donated residence, first responder).

Sign and date the application and understand the penalty for false statements (Texas Penal Code § 37.10). (Source: Application PDF.)

If you want a quick official overview of forms that may be relevant to your filing (including supplemental affidavits referenced in the application), TAD keeps them compiled under All Forms.
Link: All Forms

Special filing situations homeowners ask about most

Life doesn’t always match a simple box on a form. These scenarios appear often in Tarrant County filings:

Heir property: proving ownership interest when your name isn’t on a recorded deed

Heir property means at least one owner claims the property as a residence homestead and ownership came through a will, transfer on death deed, or intestacy. If you aren’t identified on a recorded instrument as an owner, you’ll need to provide:

An affidavit establishing your ownership interest (Form 50-114-A referenced in the application materials),

The prior owner’s death certificate,

The property’s most recent utility bill, and

Any court record citations related to your ownership, if available.
Each heir property co-owner who also occupies the property as a principal residence must provide a separate affidavit authorizing the homestead application. (Source: Application PDF; Homestead Exemption page.)

Manufactured homes: show you own the home if the title trail is complicated

For manufactured homes, provide one of the following to demonstrate ownership:

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Statement of Ownership, or

Sales purchase agreement/contract/payment receipt showing you are the purchaser, or

A sworn affidavit stating you are the owner, the seller didn’t provide the contract, and you couldn’t locate the seller after a good-faith effort. (Source: Application PDF.)

Property owned by a qualifying trust: include the right pages—not the whole trust

You may claim the exemption through a qualifying trust if you provide the trust pages that show:

The trust name,

The trustor’s name,

The trustor’s right to use and occupy the property as a principal residence (rent-free and without charge except specified costs) for life, for life or a term of years, or until the trust is revoked/terminated, and

The trustor’s notarized signature.
TAD’s customer service can copy the relevant pages for you if you bring the document in person. (Source: Application PDF.)

New homeowner timing and mid-year ownership changes: when can you start the exemption?

The general rule is that you own and occupy the home on the relevant date for the tax year. However, as noted, effective January 1, 2022, a new owner may claim the homestead exemption as of the date they both own and occupy the home if the previous owner did not claim the exemption in that same tax year. (Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page.)

Understand tax ceilings, caps, and transfers so you don’t lose benefits when you move

Two powerful forms of tax limitation can apply to homesteads, and they work differently:

Homestead cap (appraised value limit): For all general residence homesteads, the taxable value increase is limited to 10% per year beyond last year’s value, excluding new improvements and added land. This protects you from large market swings. (Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page.)

Tax ceiling (school taxes and possibly local units):
Over-65 and Disabled Person exemptions include a school tax ceiling—your school taxes don’t rise above the ceiling amount (subject to increases if you add new improvements such as a garage or pool).
Local ceilings may exist if adopted by the county, city, or junior college.
Transfer rules: If you move, you can transfer either a percentage of tax paid (over-65/disabled ceiling) or, for some surviving spouse scenarios (e.g., 100% disabled veteran), a flat dollar amount as allowed.
Staying within the same taxing unit can make certain local ceiling transfers possible. (Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page; Application PDF.)

If you think a ceiling transfer applies when moving into or within Tarrant County, you’ll indicate that in the application under the Tax Limitation Exemption Transfer section and provide the address of your prior residence homestead. (Source: Application PDF.)

Keep your application accurate after submission: respond to TAD requests and notify changes

Your responsibilities don’t end the day you file:

Respond to additional information requests within 30 days (with one possible 15-day extension).

Duty to notify: If your right to the exemption ends (for example, you move out or stop using the property as your principal residence), notify the chief appraiser in writing before May 1 of the year after the change.

No annual re-filing unless the chief appraiser requests it or you want to apply the exemption to a different property. (Source: Application PDF.)

If you need general property-tax guidance from TAD outside the application process, the county provides a central help page you can use to find the right contact or resource.
Link: Property Tax Assistance

Troubleshooting: fix common homestead filing mistakes before they delay your exemption

Even experienced homeowners can stumble over a few details. Review these quick fixes:

Your ID doesn’t match the homestead address.
Update your Texas driver’s license or personal ID so the address matches your homestead, then submit your application. Address mismatches can result in denial unless you qualify for a statutory exception or waiver (for example, certain active duty members/spouses). (Source: Application PDF; Homestead Exemption page.)

You’re claiming a homestead elsewhere.
You cannot claim a residence homestead exemption on more than one property. If your prior homestead is in another county, include documentation from that appraisal district confirming removal of the old homestead exemption. (Source: Application PDF.)

Co-owners in an heir property haven’t submitted affidavits.
Every heir property owner who occupies the home as a principal residence (other than the applicant) must provide an affidavit authorizing the application. Missing affidavits can stall your filing. (Source: Application PDF.)

You forgot to disclose income-producing use.
If any portion of your homestead is income-producing, you must indicate the percentage. (Source: Application PDF.)

You didn’t specify acreage.
State the total number of acres (up to 20) that you own and occupy as your homestead. (Source: Application PDF.)

You didn’t sign or date the form.
The application requires your signature and carries Texas Penal Code § 37.10 consequences for false statements, so make sure you complete this section. (Source: Application PDF.)

What happens after approval: how TAD applies caps, ceilings, and ongoing eligibility

Once your exemption is granted:

Appraised value cap applies (10% annual limit beyond prior year’s value, excluding new improvements/land).

Exemption amounts reduce your taxable value according to your category (e.g., general residence homestead, over-65, disabled person, disabled veteran).

School tax ceilings and any adopted local ceilings take effect for those categories that qualify.

No annual re-filing is needed unless the chief appraiser requires it, you move, or you seek to apply the exemption to a different property.

Duty to notify remains: if your right to the exemption ends, you must notify the chief appraiser in writing by May 1 of the next year. (Source: Tarrant Appraisal District Homestead Exemption page; Application PDF.)

If you later change homes or your status changes (age 65, disability determination, surviving spouse eligibility), revisit the application instructions to claim ceiling transfers or updated categories so your tax limitations follow you appropriately. For quick navigation back to official instructions and forms, use TAD’s consolidated library:
Link: All Forms

Where to get official answers, help with documents, or status updates

TAD encourages homeowners with homestead questions to contact its Exemptions Specialists during regular business hours. You can also use the official contact page to confirm current hours, directions, and available services before visiting.
Link: Contact Us

If you need to request publicly available information regarding your exemption or related matters, you can submit a formal request through TAD’s Public Information Act Request portal.
Link: Public Information Act Request

For a single page that explains eligibility, supporting documents, and how to click through to the online application, keep this page handy:
Link: Homestead Exemption

Departments and offices (with addresses and telephone numbers)

Tarrant Appraisal District — 2500 Handley-Ederville Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76118-6909 — (817) 284-0024

Exemptions Specialist — (817) 284-4063

Tarrant Appraisal District — Exemption Division, PO Box 185579, Fort Worth, TX 76181-0579 — (817) 284-4063

Tarrant County Homestead Exemption FAQs

How do I file—and what should I expect after submission?

You can apply online through the county’s official form; you’ll be redirected, and your application isn’t received until you press “Submit Application” and get a confirmation number (see “Complete Form Online” on the Homestead Exemption page). Paper filing is also available via the current county application (PDF). After you file, the chief appraiser may request more information; respond promptly to avoid denial. You generally won’t need to reapply each year unless asked or you want to apply the exemption to a different property.

What identification must match the property—and are there narrow waivers?

Your Texas DPS driver’s license or personal ID must show the same address as the property claimed. License to carry and election certificates aren’t accepted. The chief appraiser can waive the match requirement only in specific cases (e.g., certain active-duty military or spouses with supporting documents, residents of qualified care facilities, or participants in the Attorney General’s address confidentiality program). See ID rules and filing details under Applying for a Homestead Exemption.

What are the filing deadlines and late-application windows?

The standard deadline is April 30 of the tax year. If you qualify due to age 65+, disability, or as a partially disabled veteran with a donated residence, you have until the first anniversary of the qualification date. A residence-homestead application may be filed up to two years after the normal deadline; certain veteran-related homestead exemptions can be accepted up to five years after the delinquency date (see the instructions in the 2025 Application for Residential Homestead Exemption (PDF)).

Which documents are required for special ownership situations?

For heir property, provide an ownership affidavit (Form 50-114-A), the prior owner’s death certificate, the most recent utility bill, and any relevant court citations. For manufactured homes, provide a Statement of Ownership, a sales contract/receipt, or a sworn affidavit if records are unavailable. For properties held in a qualifying trust, submit only the trust pages showing the trust name, trustor, the trustor’s right to occupy as a principal residence, and the trustor’s notarized signature. Forms are organized under All Forms.

How do tax ceilings and transfers work for seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and certain surviving spouses?

Age-65 and Disabled Person exemptions include a school tax ceiling; some local taxing units may also adopt ceilings. If you move within Texas, you can transfer the same percentage of tax paid to your new qualified homestead; specific flat-amount transfers apply to certain surviving spouses under state law. Category-specific proofs (e.g., SSA letter, VA documentation) are listed on the Homestead Exemption page.

What if TAD asks for more information—or my eligibility changes?

If the chief appraiser requests additional information, you must respond within 30 days; one 15-day extension may be granted for good cause. If your right to the exemption ends (for example, you move or stop using the property as your principal residence), you must notify the chief appraiser in writing before May 1 of the year after the change. Detailed instructions appear in the 2025 Application for Residential Homestead Exemption (PDF).