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In this video, Veronica Garcia explains what exemptions are. She focuses on homestead exemptions the most common exemption used. (3:47 mins.)

Exemptions

Hi! I’m Veronica Garcia, and I work for the Harris Central appraisal District. Let’s talk about exemptions.

Exemptions can help you save money because they exclude part of your property’s value from taxation. This in turn, lowers the amount of money you will pay in property taxes.

One important thing to remember is that you need to apply for these exemptions. They are not granted automatically when you purchase or acquire a property.

How do you apply? Exemption forms are available on our website at www.hcad.org. On the home page, click on the forms button, and in the drop-down menu, select “All Forms”. On that page, select form “11.13 Homestead Exemption: General Residential, Over-65, Disability, Over-55 Surviving Spouse”. In that link you can fill out the form online and submit it from the comfort of your home or office. There is also a link to a video that shows you step by step instructions to complete the form. You can also print it out and mail it or bring it to our offices. You can even file an exemption through the HCAD mobile app that is available to iOS or Android.

What types of exemptions are there? The exemptions available are General Residence Homestead Exemption, Age 65 or Older Exemption, Over 55 Surviving Spouse Exemption, Disability Exemption, 100% Disabled Veteran Exemption, and Military Member or First Responder Killed in the Line of Duty Exemption. In this video we are focusing on the general homestead exemption, which is the most common exemption available to homeowners.

Texas law grants general homestead exemptions to those who own and occupy their property as their primary residence. To qualify, please include a copy of a Texas driver license or state issued ID displaying current address along with the application.

A prorated homestead exemption is available to qualified property owners from the date they own and occupy their property as their primary residence. Some restrictions apply.

Be aware that if you make any changes to the ownership of your property, you must fill out a new exemption application. Some common changes are divorces, marriages, spouse passing away, or refinancing. Any of these changes will affect the ownership.

Please note that an exemption issue is not resolved, during an informal meeting with an appraiser on the property value. You may have to speak to customer service representative to resolve this issue.

I hope that I have helped to explain the homestead exemption form. For more information about exemptions or other appraisal matters, please visit our website, www.hcad.org and on the top of the page, click on the “Help” button and in the drop-down menu select “Frequently Asked Questions”. There you will see more information about exemptions.

Thank you for watching.