If you own the home you live in anywhere in Harris County, a homestead exemption is the single easiest way to cut your property tax bill. It’s free, it takes about 15 minutes online, and you only file once.
At a glance
- Who files
- Owners whose main home is the property
- Where
- Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD), online or by mail [1]
- Form
- Texas Comptroller Form 50-114 [2]
- Deadline
- Before May 1 (April 30); late filing allowed up to 2 years after taxes are due [3]
- Cost
- Free
- School district exemption
- $140,000 off taxable value [3]
- Age 65+ or disabled
- Extra $60,000 off school taxes, plus a school tax ceiling [3]
Step by step
- Get your Texas driver’s license or ID updated to the home’s address. HCAD checks that the address on your ID matches the property.
- Find your account number by searching your address on hcad.org.
- File online through HCAD’s exemption application (or print Form 50-114 and mail it).
- Upload a copy of your ID. If you’re 65+ or disabled, check those boxes too.
- Watch for a letter or email. HCAD will confirm, or ask for more documents.
What it saves
The exemption lowers your home’s taxable value with each taxing unit that offers one. The biggest piece is the school district exemption set by state law. Harris County and many cities in the county also offer an optional exemption, a percentage off the value [1]. Your exact savings depend on which taxing units your home sits in, shown on your HCAD account.
Property tax and homestead savings estimate
Rates prefilled: none; enter the rates from your tax bill, or see our Houston property tax rate guide. Change them to match your tax bill.
An estimate only. Your appraisal district and tax bill have the exact numbers, including any extra exemptions your city or county offers and special districts (like MUDs) not counted here.
If you’re 65 or older, or disabled
You get an additional school district exemption, and your school taxes are frozen at the level of the year you qualify (a tax ceiling ). You can file the year you turn 65.
You can also defer (postpone) property taxes on your home while you live there if you’re 65+ or disabled. Interest still adds up, so read the tax office’s rules first [4].
Sources
Next steps
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When is the deadline to file a homestead exemption in Harris County?
File by April 30 for the current tax year. If you miss it, you can usually still file up to two years after the taxes for that year were due and get a refund.
Can I file the year I buy my house?
Yes. Since 2022, Texas lets you apply in the same year you buy, as long as the house is your main home. You don't have to wait until January 1 of the next year.
Does it cost anything to file?
No. Filing with HCAD is free. Companies that charge to file a homestead exemption for you are charging for a free form.