April 3, 2026
Discover who is exempt from paying property taxes in Texas: veterans, seniors, disabled & more. Apply for homestead exemptions & save today!
Many Houston homeowners ask who is exempt from paying property taxes in Texas. The answer can save you thousands of dollars every year.
Texas property taxes can feel confusing because there is no single “state property tax bill.” Instead, property taxes are set and collected by local groups like:
Each group sets a tax rate. Your county appraisal district sets the taxable value. Your final bill is usually based on this simple idea:
Here is a simple list of who can save:
| Exemption Type | Who Can Get It |
|---|---|
| General Homestead | People who live in the home they own |
| Over-65 | Homeowners age 65 or older |
| Disabled Person | Homeowners with a disability |
| 100% Disabled Veteran | Veterans with a full disability from service |
| Surviving Spouse (Veteran) | Spouses of veterans who have passed away |
| Surviving Spouse (First Responder) | Spouses of first responders killed on the job |
| Nonprofits | Churches, schools, and charities |
| Heir Property Owners | People who inherited their home |
Texas does not have a state property tax. You pay taxes to your local city, county, and school. This means you apply for savings at your local county office.
Two key words matter when you are trying to lower your bill:
Many homeowners in Harris County and Montgomery County save the most through the homestead exemption. Some homeowners qualify for a full exemption (a $0 bill). Others qualify for partial relief that still makes a big difference.
Texas law helps homeowners pay less. You just need to know which rules apply to you.
I am Michael J. MacFarlane. I have spent over 30 years helping Houston families. I can help you understand who is exempt from paying property taxes in Texas and which steps to take next. Let’s look at how you can save.
The Homestead Exemption is the best way to save money for most homeowners. It is a reward for living in the home you own.
This does not change your tax rate. Instead, it lowers the value of your home that the government taxes. If your home is worth $300,000 and you have a $100,000 exemption, you only pay taxes on $200,000.
To get this exemption:
Many homeowners also hear about “January 1.” In Texas, the exemption is tied to your home as of the tax year. If you are buying a home, it is smart to ask your agent or tax professional when you can file, and what documents your county will want.
There is also a 10% cap for homeowners with a homestead. This means the value used for your taxes cannot go up more than 10% in one year (plus the value of any new improvements). This helps stop your tax bill from jumping too high when home prices go up.
In Harris and Montgomery County, schools must give you a $100,000 break. Some cities or counties may also offer local option exemptions, which can lower your taxable value even more.
This is why two neighbors can have similar homes but different tax bills:
If you need help before or after you move, our residential services can help. We have spent 25 years helping neighbors in Katy, Memorial, Spring Branch, and The Woodlands make smart decisions with clear next steps.
Some people do not have to pay any property taxes at all. Under Texas Tax Code Chapter 11 – Taxable Property and Exemptions, certain groups can qualify for a "total exemption" or other high-value exemptions.
A full $0 tax bill is not common for most homeowners, but it does happen in a few situations. In many other cases, the law gives you large reductions or a tax ceiling that keeps parts of your bill from rising.
This usually applies to:
Seniors and disabled people also get a "tax ceiling." This is like a freeze on the school district tax portion. Once you qualify (age 65 or a disability), your school taxes generally cannot go up as long as you live there and keep the home as your residence homestead. Some changes, like major new improvements, can affect the amount.
Texas thanks veterans with big tax breaks. If you are a veteran with a 100% disability from your service, you may qualify for a residence homestead exemption that can reduce your property taxes to $0.
According to the Property Tax Exemptions - Texas Comptroller, this benefit can also apply to certain surviving spouses. You will need proof of your disability rating and service connection (such as VA documents) when you apply.
Important note: these rules can depend on the exact facts of your situation (rating, ownership, and whether the home is your primary residence). If you are unsure, it is worth confirming with your county appraisal district.
If you inherited a home without a will, you can still get tax breaks. This is often called "heir property."
A 2019 law made this easier for families. In many cases, you can still qualify for the homestead exemption by providing documents like:
This matters in the real world because heir property can be common in long-time Houston-area neighborhoods and across counties like Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Galveston.
You can find more info about heir property exemptions to see if this may apply to your family.
If you are 65 or older, or have a disability, you may qualify for extra help. In many areas, you get the $100,000 school break plus another $60,000 break. That is $160,000 off your home's value for school taxes.
The best part for many seniors is the tax ceiling. This can freeze your school taxes. Even if your home value goes up, the school tax portion of your bill generally stays the same as long as:
If you move to a new home in Brazoria County, Galveston County, Montgomery County, or elsewhere, you may be able to transfer part of that school tax ceiling to the new homestead. The amount is based on a percentage, not a simple dollar-for-dollar transfer.
Even with exemptions, your bill can still feel unfair if your home is over-appraised. If you think your home value is too high, we offer tax protest services. We help you gather strong support (like comps and condition facts) and fight for a fair value.
If the bill is still too high, some seniors and disabled homeowners can use a "tax deferral." This lets you postpone paying certain property taxes for as long as you own and live in the home.
The taxes still add up with 5% interest. But the county cannot take your home for those deferred taxes while the deferral is in place. When the home is sold later (or the ownership changes), the taxes are typically paid from the sale.
This option is not right for everyone, but it can be a safety net that helps people stay in their homes.
Learn more at the Property Tax Assistance page.
You must ask for these savings. They are not automatic.
Apply between January 1 and April 30 in most cases.
If you miss the deadline, you may still be able to file late. Some exemptions can be granted retroactively, depending on the type and the timing.
You apply through your County Appraisal District (not your mortgage company). In the Houston area, that may be Harris County, Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, Brazoria County, or Galveston County, depending on where the home is located.
Use Form 11-13. This is the main form for most exemptions.
In most cases, you will need:
You usually only have to apply once. After that, the exemption stays in place as long as you still qualify.
You may need to apply again if:
If you are buying a home and want a smooth start, it helps to plan this early. A missed exemption can cost real money, especially in higher-tax areas.
No. Once you are approved, it stays as long as you live there. If the county sends you a letter asking to apply again, make sure you do it.
No. You can only have one for the home where you live. You cannot use it for a rental house or a beach house.
You can still file! You can often file up to two years late for a normal homestead break. It is always better to file late than not at all.
Texas property taxes can be hard to understand, but you do not have to handle them alone. Whether you are buying a home in Spring Branch or moving to The Woodlands, we can help you save money.
At MacFarlane Realty Group, we have 25 years of experience in Houston. We manage your entire life transition with clarity, care, and concierge-level service. We handle the details so you can focus on your life.
Start your next move with clarity and confidence by reaching out to us today. We would love to help you.
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