Own a home, ranch, or acreage in Washington County and want to keep more of your money this year? The Texas homestead exemption can reduce your property taxes and add valuable protections to your assessed value. In this guide, you will learn what the exemption does, who qualifies, how much you could save, and exactly how to file with the Washington County Appraisal District. Let’s dive in.
What the homestead exemption does
A residence homestead exemption removes part of your home’s appraised value from taxation, which lowers the taxable value used to calculate your bill. Texas also provides added protections for homesteads, including a limit on how fast your taxable value can rise each year and special tax ceilings for some owners. You apply through your county appraisal district, not the tax office. For a full overview, review the Texas Comptroller’s guidance on property tax exemptions.
Who qualifies in Texas
You must own the property and occupy it as your principal residence. You cannot claim a residence homestead exemption on another property inside or outside Texas. Most applications require a copy of your Texas driver’s license or state ID with the homestead address. If your ID does not match or you have a special circumstance, contact the appraisal district to see what alternative documentation may be accepted.
If you own a manufactured home or inherited a home, be ready to provide additional documents. These may include a statement of ownership and location for a manufactured home or affidavits and a death certificate for heir property, as set out by the Texas Comptroller.
What you can claim
- General residence homestead: School districts must exempt $100,000 of a qualified homestead’s value from school taxes. Local taxing units may adopt optional exemptions on top of that.
- Local option exemptions: Cities, counties, and special districts may offer up to 20 percent off the appraised value or a minimum dollar exemption if adopted locally.
- Age 65 or disability: School districts must add an extra $10,000 exemption for qualifying owners. Local units may adopt additional exemptions for these groups, plus many provide a tax ceiling on eligible taxes.
- 100 percent disabled veteran: Qualifying veterans receive an exemption on the total appraised value of their residence homestead. See the Comptroller’s disabled veteran FAQ for details.
For definitions, amounts, and eligibility, see the Texas Comptroller’s exemptions overview.
When and how to file in Washington County
The normal filing window is January 1 through April 30 for the tax year you want the exemption. Washington County Appraisal District’s FAQ confirms you can often file a late homestead application up to two years after the delinquency date if you missed the window. Some disabled-veteran exemptions have extended late-filing rules under state law.
Step-by-step filing
Gather documents. Complete Form 50-114 and collect a copy of your Texas driver’s license or state ID, proof of ownership, and any supporting documents for special exemptions. You can download state forms from the Texas Comptroller’s forms page.
Submit to Washington County Appraisal District. File by mail or in person at 1301 Niebuhr St., Brenham, TX 77833. Phone: 979-277-3740. Email: [email protected]. Visit Washington CAD’s website for local instructions and FAQs.
Track your filing. Keep a copy and ask for a receipt if you hand-deliver or mail. WCAD can confirm receipt and status.
Watch your appraisal notice. Appraisal notices are typically mailed in spring. Exemption and protest deadlines are separate. If an exemption is approved after certification, the tax collector adjusts bills or issues refunds as required by law.
How it lowers your tax bill
Exemptions reduce the taxable value used to calculate your bill. For example, if your home appraises at $300,000 and you receive the $100,000 school exemption, school taxes are based on $200,000. Your savings depend on the tax rates for each taxing unit that applies your exemption.
Texas also limits how much your homestead’s taxable value can increase each year. Under Tax Code Section 23.23, the appraised value used for taxation cannot increase by more than about 10 percent per year, plus the value of any new improvements. This homestead cap begins January 1 of the year after you first qualify for the exemption.
Special situations to know
- Turning 65 this year: If your birthdate is already on file and you have a homestead exemption, you may not need to reapply. If not, submit your application to add the age 65 exemption and tax ceiling for school taxes.
- Heir property and manufactured homes: You may need specific affidavits and proof of occupancy. Check the Comptroller’s guidance and contact WCAD for the exact documents.
- ID address does not match: The law generally requires your ID address to match the homestead. Certain exceptions and waivers exist. WCAD can explain your options.
- Selling or moving: The homestead cap ends when you no longer qualify. Apply for exemptions on your new homestead. If you have an age 65 or disability school tax ceiling, you may be able to transfer it under state rules.
Quick checklist for Washington County owners
- Complete Form 50-114 and gather your Texas ID, deed or closing statement, and any age 65, disability, or veteran documentation. Use the Comptroller’s forms page to download state forms.
- File with Washington CAD between January 1 and April 30. If late, ask about the two-year late-filing window and possible retroactive relief via the WCAD FAQ.
- Keep copies of everything you submit and note the date filed.
- Watch your appraisal notice and protest by the stated deadline if needed.
- Update WCAD if you move, inherit, marry, or have other life changes that affect your homestead status.
Local contacts
- Washington County Appraisal District: 1301 Niebuhr St., Brenham, TX 77833 | 979-277-3740 | [email protected]. Start at the Washington CAD website for forms, FAQs, and local procedures.
Taking a few minutes to file your homestead exemption can mean real savings and long-term protection for your home or acreage in Washington County. If you are planning a move, buying land, or preparing to sell, connect with a local advisor who understands both rural properties and the tax details that matter. Reach out to Lisa Bricker to talk through your goals and next steps.
FAQs
What is the Texas homestead exemption amount for school taxes?
- Texas law requires a $100,000 residence homestead exemption for school district taxes on a qualified homestead, with possible local add-ons.
What is the filing deadline in Washington County, TX?
- The typical window is January 1 to April 30 for the tax year, and many late applications are accepted up to two years after the delinquency date according to the Washington CAD FAQ.
Can I file late for a homestead exemption?
- Yes. In many cases you can file up to two years after the delinquency date. Some disabled-veteran exemptions have extended late-filing timelines under state law.
How does the 10 percent homestead cap work?
- After your homestead exemption is in place, the appraised value used for taxes cannot rise more than about 10 percent per year, plus new improvements, under Tax Code Section 23.23.
How does the age 65 school tax ceiling work?
- When you qualify for the age 65 or disability exemption, your school district taxes are capped at a ceiling so they cannot exceed the amount from the year the ceiling began, subject to certain adjustments and improvements.
What documents do I need for my application?
- Typically Form 50-114, a Texas driver’s license or state ID with the homestead address, proof of ownership, and any supporting records for special exemptions. State forms are available from the Comptroller’s forms page.
Where do I file my homestead exemption in Washington County?
- File with the Washington County Appraisal District. You can find contact details, FAQs, and local instructions on the Washington CAD website.
I am a 100 percent disabled veteran. What should I know?
- You may qualify for an exemption on the total appraised value of your residence homestead. Review the Comptroller’s disabled veteran FAQ and file with WCAD using the state forms and your VA documentation.
