Property taxes feel a lot better when you know you’re not paying more than you should. If you recently bought a home in Denton County or in Dallas–Plano–Irving areas that fall inside Dallas County, the homestead exemption is one of the simplest ways to lower your taxable value. You might be wondering if you qualify, what to file, and when it’s due. In this guide, you’ll learn the key dates, documents, and exact steps to claim your exemption the right way. Let’s dive in.
What the homestead exemption does
A Texas homestead exemption reduces the appraised value of your primary residence for property tax purposes. That reduction lowers the portion of your home’s value that gets taxed. Local taxing units use your reduced taxable value to calculate your bill, so the exemption can save you money each year you live in the home as your primary residence.
Once your exemption is approved, it usually stays in place automatically as long as you keep living in the home as your principal residence. If you move, sell, or turn the home into a rental, you should notify the appraisal district.
Who qualifies in Denton County
To qualify for a given tax year, you must own and occupy the home as your principal residence on January 1 of that year. The exemption applies to one property only. Homes that can qualify include single-family houses, condos, and manufactured homes used as your primary residence.
If you buy a home after January 1, your exemption will generally start the next tax year. If you move from one Texas home to another, you need to file a new homestead application for your new address.
Key dates you need to know
- Residency date: You must own and occupy the home on January 1 of the year you are claiming.
- Filing deadline: Submit your application by April 30 for the exemption to apply that same year. If you miss the deadline, file as soon as you can. In most cases, it will take effect the following year. Check with your appraisal district for any late-filing options.
Where to file in Denton vs. Dallas County
You file with the appraisal district for the county where your home sits. That office handles homestead applications and approvals.
- Properties in Denton County: File with the Denton County appraisal district.
- Properties in Dallas County, including parts of Dallas, Plano, and Irving within Dallas County: File with the Dallas Central Appraisal District.
For questions about tax bills and payment schedules, contact your county tax assessor-collector. The tax office sends bills and processes payments, while the appraisal district manages exemptions.
What to gather before you apply
Collect your documents before you start to make filing faster:
- Proof of ownership: Your deed, closing statement, or other legal document showing you own the property.
- Proof of identity and residency: A Texas driver’s license or Texas ID card that lists the property address. Many appraisal districts prefer that your ID matches the address on your application.
- If your ID does not yet show your new address: Bring alternative proof such as vehicle registration, voter registration certificate, utility bill, or a signed statement. Check your appraisal district’s acceptable alternatives.
- If applying for special exemptions: Have required documents ready, such as an age verification for an age 65 exemption, a disability award letter, or VA documentation for a disabled veteran exemption.
How to apply step by step
Follow these steps to complete your application with the right county:
- Confirm eligibility
- Make sure you owned and occupied the home as your principal residence on January 1.
- Confirm the home is not a second home or full-time rental.
- Identify the correct appraisal district
- Denton County homes file with the Denton County appraisal district.
- Dallas County homes, including parts of Dallas–Plano–Irving, file with the Dallas Central Appraisal District.
- Choose how to file
- Online: Most appraisal districts offer an online portal. This is usually the fastest route and may allow secure document upload.
- Mail: Download the current application form from the appraisal district website, complete it, and mail it with copies of required documents.
- In person: Visit the appraisal district office and bring your documents.
- Meet the deadline
- File by April 30 for current-year savings. If you miss the deadline, submit your application anyway so it applies as soon as possible.
- Save your records
- Keep a copy of your application and any confirmation or approval letter.
- You typically do not need to reapply each year unless your situation changes.
After you file: what to expect
The appraisal district will review your application. You’ll receive an approval or denial by mail, and sometimes by email if you applied online. If approved, the exemption reduces the appraised value used to calculate your taxes for the applicable taxing units that grant that exemption. Keep your approval notice with your home records for future reference.
If your application is denied, the notice will explain why and how to appeal. Start with the appraisal district for next steps and required forms.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Missing January 1 residency: If you did not live in the home on January 1, your exemption will usually start the next year.
- Waiting on your ID update: Many districts prefer your Texas ID shows the property address. If it doesn’t, gather acceptable alternate proof to avoid delays.
- Forgetting to reapply after a move: Homestead exemptions do not transfer to your new address. File a new application when you move into your next primary residence.
- Renting out the property: A full-time rental or converting your home to a rental can disqualify the exemption. Renting a portion of the home or short-term rentals may affect eligibility. Check with your appraisal district if this applies to you.
Special exemptions you might qualify for
Beyond the general residence homestead exemption, you may qualify for other benefits under Texas law. Each has specific rules and documentation.
- Age 65 or older and disabled exemptions: These can provide additional savings and, in some cases, limit school tax increases on your homestead. You will need to provide proof of age or disability.
- Disabled veteran and surviving spouse exemptions: These are available to qualified disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses. Required documents typically include VA disability rating information or other VA certifications.
- Local optional exemptions: Cities, counties, and special districts may adopt extra exemptions for their portion of the tax bill. Availability varies by taxing unit.
For details, review the guidance from the Texas Comptroller and your county appraisal district. Check current requirements and forms before you file.
Quick checklist
Use this short list to stay on track:
- Confirm you owned and lived in the home as your primary residence on January 1.
- Identify your county appraisal district: Denton County or Dallas County.
- Gather documents: deed or closing statement, Texas driver’s license or ID with property address, and any alternate proofs if needed.
- File your homestead application by April 30 for current-year savings.
- Watch for your approval notice and save it with your records.
- Reapply when you move to a new primary residence in Texas.
Simple example of how savings work
Here is a hypothetical scenario to show how homestead savings are calculated:
- Appraised value: 300,000 dollars
- Hypothetical exemption: 25,000 dollars (example only)
- New taxable value: 275,000 dollars
- Your tax bill is then calculated using the new taxable value and your local combined tax rate. Your actual savings depend on the exemption size and local rates adopted by your taxing units.
Denton vs. Dallas County: what’s the same
The process is very similar in both counties. You must live in the home on January 1, file with the county where the property sits, meet the April 30 deadline for current-year effect, and include identity and residency documents that match your property address when possible. Both counties will notify you of approval or denial and will keep your homestead in place as long as you remain eligible.
Make your first year of ownership smoother
You bought a home to build your life, not to get bogged down in paperwork. Filing your homestead is a quick win that supports your budget year after year. If you are relocating into Denton County or buying your first home, add this step to your move-in checklist and set a reminder before April 30.
Have questions about settling into Denton County, new construction in master-planned communities, or neighborhood fit as you plan your next move? Reach out to Edson Miranda for local guidance and resources that make the transition easier.
FAQs
Who qualifies for a Texas homestead exemption in Denton County?
- You must own and occupy the property as your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year, and you can claim the exemption on only one property.
What is the filing deadline for the current tax year?
- File your homestead application with the county appraisal district by April 30 for that year’s taxes; if you miss it, apply as soon as possible for future-year effect.
Where do I submit my application if I live in Denton County?
- File with the Denton County appraisal district; Dallas County properties, including parts of Dallas–Plano–Irving in Dallas County, file with the Dallas Central Appraisal District.
What documents do I need when I apply?
- Provide proof of ownership plus a Texas driver’s license or ID showing the property address; if it is not updated yet, include acceptable alternate proof such as vehicle registration or a utility bill.
I bought my home after January 1. Can I still get the exemption this year?
- If you did not live in the home on January 1, your exemption typically begins the following tax year; file as soon as you are eligible.
Do I need to reapply every year?
- No, most homestead exemptions continue automatically while you live in the home as your primary residence; reapply only when you move or if your status changes.
What if my application is denied?
- The appraisal district will send a notice explaining the reason and how to appeal; follow the instructions and contact the appraisal district for next steps.
