Austin Area Homestead Exemption Guide (Travis, Williamson, Hays & Bastrop Counties)
Lower your property taxes. Protect your home’s value.
If you own a home in the Austin metro area, you may qualify for one of the most valuable — and often overlooked — Texas property tax benefits: the Homestead Exemption. This exemption applies to homeowners in Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Bastrop counties, and can result in meaningful annual tax savings.
What Is the Texas Homestead Exemption?
The Texas homestead exemption is a property tax benefit for homeowners who use their property as their primary residence. It reduces the taxable value of your home, which can lower your overall property tax bill each year.
Once approved, the exemption also limits how much your home’s assessed (taxable) value can increase annually, helping protect homeowners from sharp tax increases as property values rise across Central Texas.
Why the Homestead Exemption Matters in the Austin Area
Home values across Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Pflugerville, Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs, and Bastrop continue to rise. While that’s great for equity, it can significantly impact property taxes.
A homestead exemption helps Central Texas homeowners:
Reduce annual property taxes
Limit year-over-year taxable value increases (often capped at 10%)
Protect long-term affordability
Take advantage of county, city, and school district exemptions
Who Qualifies for a Homestead Exemption?
You may qualify for a homestead exemption in Central Texas if:
You own the property
The home is your primary residence as of January 1
You are not claiming a homestead exemption on another property
The property is used for residential purposes (not primarily as a rental or business)
Eligible properties include single-family homes, condominiums, and certain manufactured or mobile homes.
Additional Exemptions You May Qualify For
Age 65 or Older
Homeowners age 65+ may qualify for larger exemptions and may be eligible for a school tax freeze, meaning those taxes will not increase.
Disabled Homeowners
Homeowners with a qualifying disability may receive additional exemptions similar to the age‑65 benefit.
Disabled Veterans & Surviving Spouses
Qualifying disabled veterans — or certain surviving spouses — may be eligible for partial or full exemptions, in some cases eliminating property taxes entirely on their homestead.
How to Apply for a Homestead Exemption
Applying for a homestead exemption in Texas is free and usually only needs to be done once.
Filing Deadline
🗓️ The deadline to file a homestead exemption is April 30 of the tax year for which you are applying.
If you miss the April 30 deadline, Texas law allows homeowners to file late applications for up to two years after the delinquency date, but filing on time ensures you receive your full benefit as soon as possible.
You’ll apply through your county appraisal district, depending on where your home is located:
Travis County – Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD)
Williamson County – Williamson Central Appraisal District (WCAD)
Hays County – Hays Central Appraisal District (HCAD)
Bastrop County – Bastrop Central Appraisal District (BCAD)
Application Steps:
Complete the homestead exemption application with your county appraisal district
Provide a Texas driver’s license or state ID matching your property address
Submit online, by mail, or in person
Once approved, the exemption remains in place unless you move or your eligibility changes.
⚠️ Important Reminders
You should never pay a fee to apply for a homestead exemption
TCAD may periodically request verification to confirm eligibility
If you recently purchased your home, you must apply — exemptions do not transfer automatically
Not Sure If You’ve Filed?
Many homeowners assume their exemption was filed automatically — but that’s often not the case. If you’re unsure whether your homestead exemption is active, I can help you check.
Ready to Save on Property Taxes?
Let’s make sure you’re not paying more than you should.
👉 Call or Text: 512-671-7368
👉 Email: info@onesourceaustin.com
Austin Area Homestead Exemption FAQs
Does my homestead exemption transfer when I buy a new home?
No. You must reapply each time you purchase a new primary residence.
Is the homestead exemption automatic?
No. Homeowners must apply through their county appraisal district.
Can I have more than one homestead exemption?
No. Texas law allows only one homestead exemption per homeowner.
When should I apply?
As soon as you occupy the home as your primary residence and have a matching Texas ID.
This page is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For official information, consult your county appraisal district or a licensed tax professional.
