Buying or living in a home in Tarrytown comes with a big question every January: are you getting every property tax break you qualify for? If you own and occupy your home, the Texas homestead exemption can lower the taxable value and reduce your bill. Many homeowners miss out or file late, which leaves money on the table. In this guide, you’ll learn who qualifies, which exemptions exist in Texas and Travis County, how to apply, and the timelines that matter. Let’s dive in.
What a homestead exemption does
A homestead exemption removes part of your home’s appraised value from property taxation. It reduces the taxable value, not the tax rate. That distinction matters because your savings depend on local rates and which taxing units apply the exemption.
Once approved, many exemptions continue automatically as long as you remain qualified. Some exemptions can also stack, like a general homestead plus an over 65 or disabled person exemption. For current definitions and statewide rules, review the Texas Comptroller’s property tax guidance on homestead exemptions and eligibility.
Who qualifies in Tarrytown
To qualify for a residence homestead exemption in Texas, you must:
- Own the property and occupy it as your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year.
- Claim only one homestead in Texas.
- Live in a qualifying residence, such as a single-family home or condominium.
Eligibility is verified by the Travis Central Appraisal District, known locally as Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD). TCAD administers exemptions and appraisals for Travis County properties, including Tarrytown.
Documents you need
When you apply, be ready to provide:
- Proof of ownership, such as a recorded deed or closing documents.
- Proof of occupancy and identity, like a Texas driver’s license or ID with the property address. Voter registration or a utility bill may also support residency.
- For age 65 and older, proof of age.
- For disability-related exemptions, required documentation from a physician or agency, as guided by TCAD.
- For disabled veteran exemptions, a VA letter that shows your service-connected disability rating. You can request documentation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- If your property is held in a trust, trust documents may be needed to confirm beneficial ownership and occupancy. Properties held in most LLCs will not qualify because the owner-occupant requirement is not met by an individual.
Exemption types in Texas
General residence homestead
If you own and occupy your home as your principal residence on January 1, you can typically claim the general residence homestead exemption. It reduces the taxable value for school taxes and may apply to other taxing units if local options exist. Amounts can change by year and jurisdiction, so check current details with TCAD and the Texas Comptroller.
Over 65 or disabled person
Homeowners who are age 65 or older, or who qualify for a disability exemption under state criteria, may receive an additional exemption amount. Qualifying can also trigger a school district “tax ceiling,” which limits how much you pay on school taxes while you remain eligible. Some other taxing units may also offer a ceiling.
Disabled veterans and surviving spouses
Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability may qualify for significant relief, up to a full exemption depending on the disability rating. Surviving spouses often have protections if statutory conditions are met. Documentation comes from the VA, so be sure to include your VA award letter when applying.
Surviving spouse provisions
Surviving spouses of homeowners who qualified for certain exemptions may be able to keep those benefits if they meet the conditions in state law. Rules vary by exemption category, so contact TCAD for specifics.
How to apply with TCAD
- Confirm you owned and occupied the property as your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year.
- Gather required documents, including proof of ownership, photo ID with your property address, and any age, disability, or VA documentation as needed.
- Complete the Residential Homestead Exemption application and submit it to Travis Central Appraisal District. TCAD accepts applications by mail and in person, and typically provides an online option or owner portal. Check the site for current instructions.
- Watch for TCAD’s written approval or denial. Once approved, the exemption should appear on your property account and future appraisal notices.
- If your tax bill does not reflect an approved exemption, contact TCAD and the taxing unit promptly. For payment or refund questions, the Travis County Tax Office can help with county-level collections.
Deadlines and timing
- Qualification date: You must own and occupy the home on January 1 of the tax year.
- Filing date: To have the exemption apply for that tax year, most homeowners should file with TCAD by April 30. Check TCAD each year for current deadlines and forms.
- Filing after April 30: Late filings can still be accepted. Whether the exemption applies retroactively or results in a refund depends on current rules. Contact TCAD or the Travis County Tax Office for guidance on your situation.
- Processing: TCAD will send written notice after review. Keep that notice for your records.
After you apply
- Keep the TCAD approval letter or email in your files.
- Check your next appraisal notice and tax bill to confirm the exemption was applied.
- If denied, call TCAD to understand the reason and what additional documentation you may need.
- If you believe you qualified but the exemption is missing on the bill, contact TCAD and the taxing office listed on the bill. The Travis County Tax Office can address county-level payment or refund questions.
Common misconceptions
- “It applies automatically when I buy.” You usually must file. TCAD may provide outreach, but you should submit the application to be sure.
- “It lowers my tax rate.” Exemptions reduce taxable value, not the rate.
- “I can claim more than one homestead.” Texas allows only one residence homestead per homeowner.
- “It changes my HOA dues or mortgage rate.” Exemptions affect property taxes. HOA dues and mortgage agreements are separate. Lenders may adjust escrow later if taxes change.
- “I cannot qualify if my home is in a trust.” Some trusts can qualify if you are the beneficial owner and occupant. Check documentation requirements with TCAD.
Moving, trusts, and special cases
If you buy or sell and change your principal residence, file a new homestead exemption for the new property. If you close after January 1, you likely will apply for the next tax year. If your home is in a revocable living trust and you are the beneficiary who occupies the property, you may still qualify with proper documentation. Properties held in most LLCs will not qualify because the owner is an entity, not an individual occupant.
If you are a surviving spouse of someone who had an over 65, disabled person, or disabled veteran exemption, you may be able to continue those benefits if you meet state requirements. Rules can be nuanced, so check with TCAD for the exact steps and forms you need.
Tarrytown homeowner checklist
Before you apply:
- Confirm you owned and lived in the home on January 1.
- Gather your recorded deed and a Texas driver’s license or ID with your Tarrytown address.
- Collect any supporting documents for age, disability, or veteran status.
To apply:
- Complete the Residential Homestead Exemption application with TCAD.
- Submit by April 30 for the current tax year when possible.
- Include all required documentation to avoid delays.
After you apply:
- Save your approval notice.
- Verify the exemption on your next appraisal notice and tax bill.
- If missing, contact TCAD and the Travis County Tax Office about corrections or refunds.
When you move or sell:
- File a new homestead application for your next principal residence.
- Notify TCAD of changes in ownership as needed.
Helpful local resources
- For forms, online filing options, and account lookup, visit the Travis Central Appraisal District.
- For county payment, refund, or tax bill questions, contact the Travis County Tax Office.
- For statewide rules and exemption types, see the Texas Comptroller’s property tax guidance.
- For disabled veteran documentation, use the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- For school district information and finance contacts, start at Austin ISD’s official site and confirm your specific district.
When you handle your homestead exemption early, you protect your tax savings and avoid year-end surprises. If you want a simple, step-by-step plan for your home in Tarrytown, connect with Meryl Hawk. We guide clients through purchase, closing, and post-close tasks like homestead filing so you feel confident and covered.
FAQs
What is a homestead exemption in Travis County?
- It removes part of your home’s appraised value from property taxation, which lowers your taxable value and can reduce your bill.
Who qualifies for the Austin homestead exemption?
- You must own and occupy the home as your principal residence on January 1 and claim only one homestead in Texas.
How do I apply with TCAD online?
- Visit the Travis Central Appraisal District site to find current forms, mailing details, and any online submission options.
What is the deadline to file in Travis County?
- File by April 30 for the current tax year when possible, and check TCAD for current-year deadlines and rules on late filings.
Do over 65 homeowners get a tax ceiling?
- Yes, qualifying over 65 or disabled homeowners can receive a school tax ceiling that limits future school taxes while eligible.
Can I claim a homestead if my home is in a trust?
- Many revocable living trusts can qualify if you are the beneficiary and occupant, but you must provide documentation to TCAD.
Will the exemption reduce my mortgage escrow?
- It can lower property taxes, which may lead your lender to adjust escrow later, but it does not change your mortgage rate or HOA dues.
