{
  "dataset": "faq.json",
  "title": "Texas homestead exemption questions and answers",
  "description": "Every question and answer published on ExemptBack, with the page it comes from.",
  "publisher": "ExemptBack",
  "url": "https://exemptback.com/datasets/faq.json",
  "landingPage": "https://exemptback.com/data",
  "license": {
    "name": "Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"
  },
  "dateModified": "2026-11-07",
  "lawVerified": "2026-11-05",
  "jurisdiction": "Texas, United States",
  "sources": [],
  "count": 52,
  "data": [
    {
      "question": "Is the check really free?",
      "answer": "Yes. No account needed to see your report.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do you file for me?",
      "answer": "No. You sign and file. The kit fills everything in and shows you exactly how.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/"
    },
    {
      "question": "How do I know the numbers are right?",
      "answer": "They use your appraised value and your tax rates with current Texas law. They’re estimates; your appraisal district makes the final call.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can I cancel?",
      "answer": "Yes. Your card is held, not charged, during the 3-business-day cancel window. Cancel before midnight Central time on your deadline and your card is never charged. The kit unlocks the next day.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is my information safe?",
      "answer": "We never ask for your Social Security, driver license, or bank numbers.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is ExemptBack a government agency?",
      "answer": "No. ExemptBack is private self-help software. It is not affiliated with any appraisal district, tax office, or the Texas Comptroller. Filing an exemption with your appraisal district is free, and you can file without us.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/"
    },
    {
      "question": "How far back can I get a refund?",
      "answer": "Texas accepts late homestead applications up to 2 years after each year’s delinquency date, and 5 years for disabled veteran exemptions. Approved years are refunded without a separate request.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/"
    },
    {
      "question": "How much is the homestead exemption in Texas?",
      "answer": "School districts must exempt $140,000 of a homestead’s value from tax year 2025 on. Owners 65 or older or disabled get $60,000 more, for $200,000 off school taxes. Other taxing units may add a percentage exemption of up to 20%.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/texas-homestead-exemption"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do I have to reapply for the homestead exemption every year?",
      "answer": "No. Once granted, a residence homestead exemption stays in place until you move or no longer qualify (Tax Code §11.43(c)). The appraisal district may send a letter asking you to confirm it, and you must answer that letter.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/texas-homestead-exemption"
    },
    {
      "question": "Does it cost anything to file a homestead exemption in Texas?",
      "answer": "No. Filing with your appraisal district is free. You do not need to pay a company or hire anyone to file.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/texas-homestead-exemption"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can I have a homestead exemption on two homes?",
      "answer": "No. You may claim only one residence homestead at a time, in or outside Texas (Tax Code §11.13(h)).",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/texas-homestead-exemption"
    },
    {
      "question": "When does the $140,000 homestead exemption take effect?",
      "answer": "It applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2025, so it first appeared on 2025 tax bills.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/texas-homestead-exemption-increase"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do I need to reapply to get the $140,000 exemption?",
      "answer": "No. If your home already had a homestead exemption, the appraisal district applies the higher amount. If your home had no homestead exemption, you must apply.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/texas-homestead-exemption-increase"
    },
    {
      "question": "What is the total homestead exemption for seniors in Texas?",
      "answer": "From tax year 2025, an owner 65 or older with both exemptions on file gets $140,000 plus $60,000, or $200,000, off school district taxable value.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/texas-homestead-exemption-increase"
    },
    {
      "question": "How far back can you claim a homestead exemption in Texas?",
      "answer": "Up to 2 years after the delinquency date for each tax year, which is usually February 1 of the next year (Tax Code §11.431). Disabled veterans can go back up to 5 years for their veteran exemptions (§11.439).",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/late-homestead-exemption-refund"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do I have to request a refund after a late homestead exemption is approved?",
      "answer": "No. The appraisal district notifies the tax office within 30 days of approval, and the tax office must refund the overpaid tax within 60 days of that notice.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/late-homestead-exemption-refund"
    },
    {
      "question": "What if I forgot to file the homestead exemption the year I bought my house?",
      "answer": "File now. If the late window for that year is still open, ask the appraisal district to apply the exemption to that year. If you closed after January 1 and the seller did not have the exemption that year, you may also qualify for part of the year you bought.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/late-homestead-exemption-refund"
    },
    {
      "question": "Will a late homestead exemption lower my mortgage payment?",
      "answer": "If your taxes are paid through escrow, a lower bill can lower your monthly payment after the servicer’s next escrow analysis.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/late-homestead-exemption-refund"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can I file my homestead exemption online in Texas?",
      "answer": "In many counties, yes. Dallas, Tarrant and Collin appraisal districts offer online filing; Denton CAD accepts the printed form by email. Check your own appraisal district’s website.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/how-to-file-homestead-exemption-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Does my driver license have to match my homestead address?",
      "answer": "Generally yes. The appraisal district may not grant the exemption unless the address on your Texas driver license or state ID matches the home, with waivers for active-duty military, their spouses, and a few others (Tax Code §11.43(n), (p)).",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/how-to-file-homestead-exemption-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "How long does it take for a homestead exemption to be approved?",
      "answer": "It varies by district. Several weeks to a few months is common; Denton CAD says it usually shows online within 90 days.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/how-to-file-homestead-exemption-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "How do I know if my homestead exemption was approved?",
      "answer": "Look up your property on your appraisal district’s website and check the exemptions listed, then confirm the exemption on your next tax statement.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/how-to-file-homestead-exemption-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is April 30 the homestead exemption deadline in Texas?",
      "answer": "Yes, for most owners: the application is due before May 1 of the tax year. Buyers, people who turn 65 or become disabled, and late filers have other deadlines.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/homestead-exemption-deadline-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "What happens if I miss the homestead exemption deadline?",
      "answer": "You can still file a late application for that year up to 2 years after its delinquency date (5 years for disabled veteran exemptions). If approved, any overpaid tax is refunded.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/homestead-exemption-deadline-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "What is the deadline to file a homestead exemption after buying a house in Texas?",
      "answer": "If you acquired the home after January 1, the application is due before the first anniversary of the date you acquired it (Tax Code §11.43(d)).",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/homestead-exemption-deadline-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can I file a homestead exemption the same year I buy a house in Texas?",
      "answer": "Yes. You may file once you live in the home. Whether it applies to that year depends on the January 1 rule and on whether the seller had a homestead exemption that year.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/homestead-exemption-new-homeowners-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Does the seller’s homestead exemption transfer to me?",
      "answer": "No. It stays with the seller for that tax year. You must file your own application.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/homestead-exemption-new-homeowners-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Does my homestead exemption transfer when I move to a new home?",
      "answer": "No. You must apply again for the new home. A 65+ or disability school tax ceiling can be transferred proportionally with a certificate from your old appraisal district (Tax Code §11.26(g), (h)).",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/homestead-exemption-new-homeowners-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Does the over-65 exemption happen automatically in Texas?",
      "answer": "Often, but not always. Tax Code §11.43(m) lets the appraisal district grant it without an application when its records or DPS data show your age. Check your property record and apply if it is not listed.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/over-65-property-tax-exemption-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can my school taxes go up after I turn 65 in Texas?",
      "answer": "Generally no, because of the school tax ceiling. They can rise if you add improvements, such as an addition, and the ceiling is lowered when exemptions increase.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/over-65-property-tax-exemption-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can I transfer my over-65 tax ceiling to a new home?",
      "answer": "Yes, proportionally. Ask your current appraisal district for a ceiling transfer certificate and give it to the district for the new home (Tax Code §11.26(g), (h)).",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/over-65-property-tax-exemption-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do I need SSDI to get the disability property tax exemption in Texas?",
      "answer": "You need to meet the Social Security disability standard. Receiving SSDI is the most common proof; benefits from other programs do not automatically qualify.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/disability-homestead-exemption-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Can I get both the over-65 and disability exemptions in Texas?",
      "answer": "Not from the same taxing unit in the same year. You may receive one from one unit and the other from a different unit.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/disability-homestead-exemption-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "How much is the disabled veteran property tax exemption in Texas?",
      "answer": "10% to 29%: $5,000; 30% to 49%: $7,500; 50% to 69%: $10,000; 70% to 100%: $12,000. $12,000 applies at age 65 with at least 10%, or for total blindness in one or both eyes or loss of use of a limb. At 100% or individual unemployability, the homestead is fully exempt.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/disabled-veteran-property-tax-exemption-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "How far back can a disabled veteran claim a property tax exemption in Texas?",
      "answer": "Up to 5 years after the delinquency date for each tax year, under Tax Code §11.439.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/disabled-veteran-property-tax-exemption-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Does individual unemployability count as 100% for Texas property tax?",
      "answer": "Yes. A veteran rated individually unemployable for a service-connected disability qualifies for the total homestead exemption under Tax Code §11.131.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/disabled-veteran-property-tax-exemption-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "How does the 10% homestead cap work in Texas?",
      "answer": "Your homestead’s taxable appraised value cannot rise more than 10% a year over last year’s appraised value, plus the value of new improvements. It starts the year after your first year with the homestead exemption.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/homestead-cap-and-tax-ceiling-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Does the homestead cap reset when you buy a house?",
      "answer": "Yes. The seller’s capped value does not carry over. Your own cap starts the tax year after the first year you qualify for the homestead exemption.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/homestead-cap-and-tax-ceiling-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do I have to reapply for my homestead exemption in Texas every year?",
      "answer": "No. You reapply only if your appraisal district sends you a written request, or when you move to a new home.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/homestead-exemption-reapply-letter-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Why did I get a letter to reapply for my homestead exemption?",
      "answer": "Appraisal districts must review every homestead at least once every five years, and may require a new application when they have reason to believe you no longer qualify. The notice must state the reason.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/homestead-exemption-reapply-letter-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "What happens if I ignore the homestead reapply letter?",
      "answer": "The district can remove the exemption, which raises your taxes. Dallas CAD removes it if there is no response within 30 days.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/homestead-exemption-reapply-letter-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is the homestead exemption letter I got in the mail a scam?",
      "answer": "If it asks for a fee to file a homestead exemption or a \"designation of homestead,\" it is not from your appraisal district. Filing the exemption is free. Check the sender against your appraisal district’s official website.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/homestead-exemption-scam-letters-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "What is a designation of homestead?",
      "answer": "A document filed with the county clerk that relates to protecting a home from forced sale for certain debts. It is not a property tax exemption application.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/homestead-exemption-scam-letters-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Do I need to pay a company to file my homestead exemption?",
      "answer": "No. You can file directly with your appraisal district for free.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/homestead-exemption-scam-letters-texas"
    },
    {
      "question": "Where do I file my homestead exemption in Dallas County?",
      "answer": "With the Dallas Central Appraisal District (www.dallascad.org). Yes. Search your property on dallascad.org, open the property address, and choose \"File Homestead Exemption Online.\" The same page has a \"Print Homestead Exemption Form\" link.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/dallas-county-homestead-exemption"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is there a fee to file a homestead exemption in Dallas County?",
      "answer": "No. Filing with the appraisal district is free.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/dallas-county-homestead-exemption"
    },
    {
      "question": "Where do I file my homestead exemption in Tarrant County?",
      "answer": "With the Tarrant Appraisal District (www.tad.org). Yes. Tarrant Appraisal District launched a new online homestead application on February 11, 2025, at tad.org/forms/homestead-exemption, with a dashboard to check your exemption status. A downloadable application is still available.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/tarrant-county-homestead-exemption"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is there a fee to file a homestead exemption in Tarrant County?",
      "answer": "No. Filing with the appraisal district is free.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/tarrant-county-homestead-exemption"
    },
    {
      "question": "Where do I file my homestead exemption in Collin County?",
      "answer": "With the Collin Central Appraisal District (collincad.org). Yes, through the Collin CAD Taxpayer Portal at onlineportal.collincad.org. Collin CAD says emailed applications are not accepted.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/collin-county-homestead-exemption"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is there a fee to file a homestead exemption in Collin County?",
      "answer": "No. Filing with the appraisal district is free.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/collin-county-homestead-exemption"
    },
    {
      "question": "Where do I file my homestead exemption in Denton County?",
      "answer": "With the Denton Central Appraisal District (www.dentoncad.com). Denton CAD says the printed application can be emailed back to info@dentoncad.com. Its FAQ does not describe a separate online filing portal.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/denton-county-homestead-exemption"
    },
    {
      "question": "Is there a fee to file a homestead exemption in Denton County?",
      "answer": "No. Filing with the appraisal district is free.",
      "page": "https://exemptback.com/denton-county-homestead-exemption"
    }
  ]
}