Texas homestead exemption deadlines
April 30 is the date most people hear about. It is not the only one, and missing it is rarely the end of the story.
The regular Texas homestead deadline is April 30 (the form is due before May 1, Tax Code §11.43(d)). If you bought after January 1, you have until the first anniversary of the purchase. Over-65 and disability exemptions are due within a year of qualifying (§11.43(k)). After that, late applications are accepted up to 2 years after the delinquency date (§11.431), or 5 years for disabled veterans (§11.439).
Every deadline that matters
| Situation | Deadline | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Qualified on January 1 | Before May 1 (April 30) of that tax year | §11.43(d) |
| Bought the home after January 1 | Before the first anniversary of the purchase | §11.43(d) |
| Turned 65 or became disabled | No later than one year after you qualified | §11.43(k) |
| Good cause | Chief appraiser may extend once, up to 60 days | §11.43(d) |
| Missed it | Up to 2 years after that year’s delinquency date | §11.431 |
| Disabled veteran exemptions missed | Up to 5 years after that year’s delinquency date | §11.439 |
| Reapply letter from your district | The date in the letter (Dallas CAD: 30 days) | §11.43(c) |
Late-filing dates by year
| Tax year | Regular deadline | Homestead late deadline (§11.431) | Disabled veteran late deadline (§11.439) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | April 30, 2021 | February 1, 2024 | February 1, 2027 |
| 2022 | April 30, 2022 | February 1, 2025 | February 1, 2028 |
| 2023 | April 30, 2023 | February 1, 2026 | February 1, 2029 |
| 2024 | April 30, 2024 | February 1, 2027 | February 1, 2030 |
| 2025 | April 30, 2025 | February 1, 2028 | February 1, 2031 |
| 2026 | April 30, 2026 | February 1, 2029 | February 1, 2032 |
| 2027 | April 30, 2027 | February 1, 2030 | February 1, 2033 |
If the delinquency date for a year moved (for example, because the bill was mailed late), the late window moves with it. Your tax statement shows the delinquency date.
Why January 1 matters
Most exemptions are decided by your situation on January 1 of the tax year (§11.42(a)). The over-65 and disability exemptions are the exception: they apply to the whole year in which you qualify (§11.42(c)). A buyer who moves in after January 1 can get the general exemption for the rest of that year only if the seller did not have it (§11.42(f)).
Not sure what your record shows? The free check reads your county record with you, applies the rules on this page, and shows any back-year refunds and yearly savings. If you are already covered, it says so.
Run the free 3-minute checkCommon questions
Is April 30 the homestead exemption deadline in Texas?
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.
What happens if I miss the homestead exemption deadline?
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.
What is the deadline to file a homestead exemption after buying a house in Texas?
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)).
Related guides
- Filed late? How to get back years of homestead savingsForgot to file? Texas accepts late homestead applications up to 2 years after the delinquency date (5 for disabled veterans) and refunds taxes paid. Dates by year.
- Just bought a home? Your homestead exemption checklistJust bought a home in Texas? When your homestead exemption starts, the January 1 rule, the seller’s exemption, the 10% cap reset, and your filing deadline.
- How to file a homestead exemption in TexasStep-by-step: how to file a Texas homestead exemption on Form 50-114, what ID and documents to include, online filing, how to check approval. Filing is free.
Sources
- Texas Tax Code, Chapter 11 (Taxable Property and Exemptions) — Texas Legislature
- Dallas CAD — Reapply Letter FAQ (SB 1801 and HB 2730) — Dallas Central Appraisal District
ExemptBack is private self-help software, not a government service, law firm, or property tax consultant. This guide is general information about Texas law, not legal advice. Your appraisal district decides every application.