Texas Homestead Exemption Update: What You Need To Know

In 2023, Texas enacted a law requiring county appraisal districts to verify homeowners’ eligibility for homestead exemptions at least once every five years. This initiative aims to ensure that only qualified homeowners benefit from the associated tax reductions.

The homestead exemption allows Texas homeowners to have their property taxes calculated based on a value lower than the appraised or market value, providing significant tax savings. Previously, once granted, this exemption remained largely unchallenged. However, with the new legislation, appraisal districts are mandated to periodically confirm that homeowners still qualify for the exemption.

Verification Process in Carrollton and the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth Area

For residents of Carrollton and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area, the verification process involves the following steps:​

1. Notification: Homeowners will receive a reapplication notice from their county’s appraisal district when it’s time to verify their homestead exemption.​
   
2. Response: Upon receiving the notice, homeowners must complete and submit the required forms within the specified timeframe, typically 30 days.​
   
3. Consequence of Non-Response: Failure to respond to the verification notice can result in the removal of the homestead exemption, leading to property taxes being calculated at the full appraised or market value. ​

Filing Deadlines and Local Appraisal Districts

In Texas, the general deadline to file for a homestead exemption is April 30. Homeowners in Carrollton and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area should be aware of their respective county appraisal districts:​

• Dallas County:
  
  • Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD)
    
    • Website: www.dallascad.org
      
    • Address: 2949 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75247
      
    • Phone: (214) 631-0910
      
• Denton County:
  
  • Denton Central Appraisal District (DCAD)
    
    • Website: www.dentoncad.com
      
    • Address: 3911 Morse Street, Denton, TX 76208
      
    • Phone: (940) 349-3800
      
• Collin County:
  
  • Collin Central Appraisal District (CCAD)
    
    • Website: www.collincad.org
      
    • Address: 250 Eldorado Parkway, McKinney, TX 75069
      
    • Phone: (469) 742-9200
      
• Tarrant County:
  
  • Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD)
    
    • Website: www.tad.org
      
    • Address: 2500 Handley-Ederville Road, Fort Worth, TX 76118
      
    • Phone: (817) 284-0024

Residents should visit their respective appraisal district’s website for specific instructions and forms related to the homestead exemption application and verification processes.​

Additional Exemptions in Carrollton

The City of Carrollton offers additional exemptions to qualifying homeowners:​City of Carrollton, TX | Home

• 20% Homestead Exemption: Homeowners can receive a 20% exemption off the appraised value of their property. ​City of Carrollton, TX | Home
  
• $97,000 Over-65 Exemption: Available for individuals who are 65 years of age or older. ​City of Carrollton, TX | Home

To apply for these exemptions, homeowners should contact their respective county appraisal district.​

Key Takeaways

• Verification Requirement: Homeowners must verify their homestead exemption every five years to maintain their tax benefit. ​
  
• Filing Deadline: The deadline to file for a homestead exemption is April 30. ​Texas Comptroller
  
• Local Appraisal Districts: Residents should contact their respective county appraisal districts for application forms and instructions.​
  
• Additional Exemptions: The City of Carrollton offers specific exemptions for seniors and general homestead exemptions. ​

Homeowners in Carrollton and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area should stay informed about these changes and ensure they respond to appraisal district requests to maintain their exemption and maximize their tax savings.​

Ready to Make the Most of Your Homestead Exemption?

Whether you’re already living in Carrollton or thinking about buying a home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, staying up to date on homestead exemption rules can help you protect your investment and reduce your property tax bill.

If you have questions about homestead exemptions, filing deadlines, or buying a home in the greater Carrollton area, I’m here to help. As a local real estate expert, I’m happy to guide you through the process and ensure you make informed decisions about your home.

📲 Contact Greg Douglas today to get expert advice on your next move in Carrollton and beyond!

Let’s make homeownership in North Texas work for you.