2026 Harris County property-tax exemption guide
Harris County TX Homestead Exemption: Rules, Application & Savings
Harris County homeowners do not apply for a homestead exemption through the Harris County Tax Office. The application is administered by the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD), which determines property values and exemptions for property located in Harris County.
For 2026, a qualifying Texas residence homestead receives at least a $140,000 school-district exemption. Harris County also currently provides a 20% optional residence homestead exemption, and many other taxing units inside the county provide their own percentage or fixed-dollar exemptions.
Quick answer
How the Harris County Homestead Exemption Works in 2026
HCAD decides property value and exemptions. It does not set tax rates, issue the final tax bill or collect property-tax payments. Once HCAD approves an exemption, each taxing unit calculates taxes using the taxable value applicable to that jurisdiction.
Correct government office
HCAD, Harris County and the Tax Office Are Different
Older documents and search results may still use the name Harris County Appraisal District. The agency officially changed its name to Harris Central Appraisal District effective January 1, 2023. The acronym HCAD remained the same.
Harris Central Appraisal District
Use HCAD for homestead applications, property values, exemption status, exemption corrections and appraisal protests.
Open HCADTaxing Unit or Tax Office
Use the appropriate tax office for tax bills, payment receipts, delinquency questions and payment plans.
County Clerk / Recorded Deed
If HCAD does not yet show you as owner, a recorded deed, closing statement or other ownership evidence can be important to your exemption application.
HCAD says that if the property is not listed in your name, you can include a copy of your deed with the exemption application.
Basic qualification
Who Qualifies for a Harris County Residence Homestead Exemption?
The general rule is straightforward: you must have an ownership interest in the property and use it as your principal residence. You cannot claim a residence homestead exemption on another home in Texas or outside Texas for the same period.
Ownership can include direct ownership and certain qualifying trust, life-estate and heir-property interests.
The exemption is for the home you actually treat as your primary residence—not an investment property or ordinary second home.
HCAD normally requires a Texas driver’s license or state ID showing the same property address.
The application requires you to affirm that you do not claim another residence homestead exemption.
What property can count as a residence homestead?
- A single-family house
- A condominium
- A qualifying manufactured home
- A separately secured and occupied part of a structure
- Qualifying residential land—generally up to 20 acres when statutory ownership/use requirements are satisfied
- A qualifying interest held through certain trusts
- Qualifying heir property
Texas law does not automatically destroy the entire homestead merely because part of the structure is rented or used for another purpose. However, the exemption does not apply to value attributable to a portion used primarily for purposes incompatible with the owner’s residential use.
Important newer rule
Bought a Harris County Home After January 1? You May Still Qualify That Year
Texas law now allows an owner who acquires and occupies a home after January 1 to receive the general residence homestead exemption for the applicable portion of that tax year when the statutory conditions are met.
HCAD’s 2026 guidance states that a new owner can receive the prorated general residence exemption immediately upon qualification when the previous owner did not receive the same exemption for that tax year.
For this mid-year qualification, HCAD states that the homeowner should apply for the applicable portion of that tax year before the first anniversary of the date the homeowner acquired the property.
2026 exemption amounts
How Much Is the Harris County Homestead Exemption?
There is not one single dollar amount that applies to every line on a Harris County tax bill. Each taxing unit applies the exemptions available to that jurisdiction.
| Taxing unit / exemption | 2026 rule | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Texas school district | $140,000 | Mandatory general residence homestead exemption from school-district taxable value. |
| Harris County | 20% | HCAD currently lists a 20% local-option general residence homestead exemption for Harris County. |
| Optional local exemption | Up to 20% | Cities, school districts, counties and special districts may adopt a percentage exemption. State law provides a minimum $5,000 value when the adopted percentage would otherwise produce less. |
| Age 65 or disabled — school district | Additional $60,000 | Mandatory additional school exemption for a qualifying owner age 65+ or disabled. |
| 100% disabled veteran | 100% residence value | A qualifying veteran with the required VA disability compensation/rating can receive a total residence-homestead exemption. |
HCAD’s current jurisdiction table lists a 20% local homestead percentage together with the state-mandated $140,000 school exemption.
Current general residence homestead percentage.
Current HCAD jurisdiction listing.
Current HCAD jurisdiction listing.
Current HCAD jurisdiction listing.
Current HCAD jurisdiction listing.
Applies where the property is within the HCC taxing jurisdiction.
Applies only to property located within City of Houston taxing boundaries.
Harris County contains many school districts, cities, MUDs, emergency-service districts and other special districts. Never assume a Houston/HISD example applies to a Katy, Cypress, Tomball, Humble, Pasadena, Baytown, Clear Lake or unincorporated Harris County property.
Practical tax calculation
How Much Can a Harris County Homestead Exemption Save?
A homestead exemption does not produce one universal Harris County savings amount. Savings depend on your appraised value, taxing jurisdictions, exemption amounts, tax rates, appraisal cap, age/disability status and other exemptions.
As of August 22, 2026, HCAD’s jurisdiction system states that taxing units will establish their 2026 rates during the fall. The latest completed rates available for these calculations are therefore 2025 rates.
Example: $400,000 home inside Houston ISD + City of Houston + Houston City College
This example assumes only the general residence homestead exemptions currently shown by HCAD. It does not include age-65, disability, veteran, MUD/ESD or other special exemptions.
| Taxing unit | Exempt value used | 2025 rate | Approx. savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston ISD | $220,000 | 0.878300 | $1,932 |
| Harris County | $80,000 | 0.380960 | $305 |
| Harris County Flood Control | $80,000 | 0.049660 | $40 |
| Port of Houston Authority | $80,000 | 0.005900 | $5 |
| Harris County Hospital District | $80,000 | 0.187610 | $150 |
| Harris County Department of Education | $80,000 | 0.004798 | $4 |
| Houston City College | $68,000 | 0.098802 | $67 |
| City of Houston | $80,000 | 0.519190 | $415 |
| Illustrative total | — | — | ≈ $2,918/year |
What a $400,000 home can look like after general exemptions
Illustration only. Actual taxable values depend on the jurisdictions attached to your HCAD account and any additional exemptions.
These four examples use the same representative Houston ISD + Harris County + countywide units + Houston City College + City of Houston jurisdiction assumptions and 2025 rates. They are not estimates for every Harris County property.
Application walkthrough
How to Apply for the Harris County Homestead Exemption
Residence Homestead Exemption Application 11.13
The same HCAD application covers the general homestead and several additional residence-homestead exemptions.
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1
Confirm that HCAD has the correct property
Search by address, account number or owner name. Save the HCAD account number shown for your property.
Open HCAD Property Search -
2
Update your Texas driver’s license or state ID address
HCAD normally requires the identification address to match the property address for which you claim the exemption.
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3
Choose the exemptions that match your situation
Select general residence homestead and any additional qualifying age-65, disability, surviving-spouse or veteran exemption.
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4
Enter ownership and occupancy information
Provide the date you acquired the property, occupancy date, ownership interest and other information requested by the application.
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5
Upload identification and supporting evidence
Include the required Texas driver’s license or state ID and any supporting documents required for special exemptions or ownership situations.
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6
Review before signing
Check the property address, tax year, requested exemptions, occupancy date and owner information. False statements on exemption applications can carry criminal penalties.
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7
Submit and keep confirmation
Save the electronic confirmation or a copy of the mailed application and attachments. You may need the submission date if processing extends into the tax-bill cycle.
Choose the easiest filing route
Four Ways to File With HCAD
Online Form
HCAD’s current electronic Form 11.13 supports the general homestead and additional residence exemptions.
Apply OnlineHCAD Mobile App
The app currently supports general homestead and age-65 filing using images of the front and back of your Texas driver’s license or ID.
Mobile Homestead PageMail the Form
Use the mailing address printed on the current HCAD application. Keep a complete copy and proof of mailing.
HCAD FormsHCAD Office
You can submit documents at HCAD’s Northwest Freeway office during business hours.
Office DetailsHCAD’s current mobile exemption interface is specifically designed for the general homestead and age-65 exemptions. If you need a disability, surviving-spouse, veteran or other special exemption, the full Form 11.13 workflow may be more appropriate.
Avoid processing delays
Documents Needed for a Harris County Homestead Application
Texas Driver’s License or State ID
The address normally must correspond to the Harris County property address.
Recorded Deed or Ownership Evidence
HCAD says to include a deed when the property is not yet listed in your name.
Disability Documentation
Supporting disability evidence must establish qualification under the applicable Texas definition.
Death Certificate / Supporting Evidence
The current HCAD electronic application requests supporting documents for surviving-spouse claims.
VA Documentation
Provide documentation supporting the required service-connected disability compensation and rating.
Affidavit or Other Evidence
Heir property, community-property interests, manufactured homes and certain trust/life-estate situations can require additional evidence.
HCAD states that a temporary paper Texas license can be submitted with the application after the address has been updated.
Exceptions to the normal ID-address matching rule can exist
The official application contains special provisions for situations including active-duty military members or spouses, participants in the Texas Attorney General’s address confidentiality program, and residents of facilities providing services related to health, infirmity or aging. Use the current form instructions rather than abandoning the application because your situation does not fit the standard ID rule.
Do not assume you missed it forever
Harris County Homestead Exemption Deadlines
HCAD recommends filing during this period so the exemption can be processed before fall tax statements.
HCAD states that a late general exemption application may be filed within this statutory window.
You can qualify during the year; you do not have to be 65 or disabled on January 1.
Relevant to the prorated current-year exemption when the statutory conditions are satisfied.
Many homeowners incorrectly stop after seeing an April 30 deadline. If you are late, identify the tax year involved and determine whether the general late-filing provision or a special age/disability qualification period still applies.
Additional property-tax relief
Harris County Homestead Exemption for Homeowners Age 65 or Older
A qualifying owner becomes eligible when the owner turns 65. The owner does not need to have been 65 on January 1.
Required by Texas law in addition to the general school residence-homestead exemption.
The school-district tax limitation generally prevents school taxes on the homestead from increasing above the ceiling, subject to statutory exceptions such as new improvements.
Counties, cities, school districts, junior colleges and special districts can provide additional age-65 relief.
Open your HCAD property account and select the Jurisdictions information. That is the practical way to see which school district, city, college, MUD, ESD and other taxing units apply to your specific property and which age-65 amounts they currently provide.
Surviving spouse rule
A surviving spouse may be able to continue certain age-65 exemptions and tax ceilings when statutory requirements are satisfied, including age and continued ownership/occupancy requirements. Texas law generally uses age 55 or older for a qualifying surviving spouse in these provisions.
Disability exemption
Harris County Homestead Exemption for a Disabled Homeowner
For the Texas residence homestead disability exemption, being described as disabled by another program does not automatically establish eligibility. Texas uses the disability definition associated with federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance.
Mandatory school-district exemption for a qualifying disabled homeowner.
Qualifying disabled homeowners receive the school-tax limitation.
Some Harris County taxing units provide additional disabled-person exemptions.
An eligible person who is both disabled and age 65 or older cannot receive both special exemptions from the same taxing unit; the applicable rules determine how the benefits are applied.
Military-related exemptions
Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemptions
| Qualification | Potential exemption |
|---|---|
| 10%–29% service-connected disability | Up to $5,000 |
| 30%–49% | Up to $7,500 |
| 50%–69% | Up to $10,000 |
| 70%–100% | Up to $12,000 |
| Qualifying 100% disabled / individual unemployability residence homestead | 100% of residence homestead value |
HCAD lists Form 11.13 for the 100% disabled-veteran residence-homestead exemption. The separate disabled-veteran/survivor exemption form is used for the partial disabled-veteran exemption.
Often worth more over time
The Texas 10% Homestead Appraisal Cap
The residence homestead exemption provides more than a direct deduction from taxable value. Once the statutory appraisal limitation applies, the property’s appraised value can be lower than its market value.
*Illustrative example with no new-improvement value. The statutory calculation is the lesser of market value or the capped calculation.
HCAD still determines January 1 market value. The cap limits the appraised value used under the homestead limitation. If a property has been capped below market for several years, the appraised value can continue increasing by up to the statutory limit even in a year when market value does not increase.
The limitation takes effect on January 1 of the tax year after the owner first qualifies the property for the residence homestead exemption. New improvements are generally added outside the ordinary 10% increase calculation.
A common closing surprise
Why Taxes Can Jump After Buying a Harris County Homestead
A seller may have benefited from years of homestead-cap protection. That capped value is personal to the qualifying ownership situation and does not simply transfer to an unrelated buyer.
A closing disclosure often uses estimated taxes. If the seller had a lower capped appraised value, age-65 tax ceiling or other exemptions that you do not qualify for, your future tax bill can be materially different.
Situations generic guides often miss
Special Harris County Homestead Situations
Inherited Home / Heir Property
Texas law provides special rules allowing qualifying heir-property owners to establish a residence homestead even when ordinary record-title documentation is incomplete.
Temporary Absence
A home can remain a residence homestead during a qualifying temporary absence when you do not establish another principal residence and intend to return. The general limit is less than two years, with special exceptions for military service and certain care facilities.
Qualifying Trust
Ownership through a qualifying beneficial trust can satisfy the ownership requirement when the statutory trust and occupancy conditions are met.
Life Estate
A surviving spouse with a qualifying life estate may be able to claim the property as a residence homestead.
Manufactured Home
A qualifying manufactured home can be a residence homestead. HCAD may require documents establishing ownership of the manufactured home.
Property Split by County Line
If the physical property is split by a county boundary, HCAD states that more than one appraisal district can be involved and exemption applications may have to be filed with both districts.
Do not stop after submitting
How to Check Your Harris County Homestead Exemption Status
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1
Search your HCAD property account
Use the official Property Search and open the correct account.
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2
Look for residence homestead exemption information
Review the account’s exemption and jurisdiction information rather than assuming submission equals approval.
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3
Open the Jurisdictions view
Check how the exemption is being applied to the individual school district, county, city, college and special districts tied to the property.
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4
Use the HCAD Mobile App for application status
HCAD says its Information and Exemption app can be used to check the status of an application filed through its mobile workflow.
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5
Call HCAD if the tax-bill season approaches
Ask about the exemption application itself—not simply whether the tax office has generated a bill.
HCAD says it sends confirmation postcards to properties receiving homestead exemptions. If a confirmation is returned as undeliverable, HCAD can remove the exemption and require a new application to reinstate it.
After approval
Do You Need to Reapply Every Year?
Generally, no. Once HCAD grants the exemption, a homeowner normally does not submit a completely new application every year unless the chief appraiser requires a new application or the homeowner’s eligibility/ownership situation changes.
If your right to an exemption ends, Texas law requires timely notification to the chief appraiser. Do not knowingly leave an exemption on a property after you stop qualifying.
Application problem
What to Do if HCAD Denies or Delays the Exemption
ID address does not match
Update the Texas identification address or determine whether one of the statutory exceptions applies.
HCAD does not show your ownership
Include a recorded deed or other ownership evidence as directed by HCAD.
Supporting document missing
Submit disability, VA, death-certificate or other documentation required for the exemption you selected.
HCAD requests more information
Texas guidance generally gives an applicant 30 days from the request to provide additional information, with a possible limited extension for good cause.
Exemption denied or modified
The chief appraiser must provide notice explaining the decision and the applicable protest route to the appraisal review board.
Tax bill arrived before correction
Keep working with HCAD regarding the exemption and contact the appropriate tax office about the bill, due date and any later correction/refund process.
A value dispute concerns HCAD’s appraisal of the property. An exemption dispute concerns eligibility or application of an exemption. Make sure your filing identifies the actual issue.
Different form of relief
Homestead Exemption vs. Property-Tax Deferral
Reduces taxable value
An exemption can permanently reduce the portion of the home’s value subject to a particular taxing unit’s tax.
Postpones qualifying tax
A deferral generally postpones collection. The deferred amount is not simply erased and can accrue interest.
HCAD’s 2026 guidance also describes a residence-homestead tax deferral for taxes attributable to qualifying appreciation above the statutory threshold. The district states that deferred taxes under that program are postponed rather than canceled and accrue interest.
HCAD specifically advises homeowners considering a property-tax deferral to check their mortgage or deed-of-trust terms because many lenders require property taxes to remain current.
Harris County-specific shortcuts
Practical HCAD Tips That Can Save Time
HCAD warns homeowners to be cautious of solicitations offering to obtain or designate a homestead exemption for a fee. The official application itself is free.
HCAD launched an eligibility wizard that asks questions, identifies possible exemptions and directs users to the appropriate application.
This avoids one of the most obvious mobile-app and application problems.
Your real savings depend on the taxing units attached to your specific HCAD account.
Processing can take longer during high-volume periods. Proof of submission can be useful later.
The seller may have a longstanding cap, over-65 ceiling or other exemption that you will not automatically inherit.
Questions about exemption eligibility or property value belong with HCAD, not the tax collector.
A returned homestead-confirmation postcard can create an avoidable exemption problem.
In-person help
Harris Central Appraisal District Contact & Location
Harris Central Appraisal District
13013 Northwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77040-6305
Information Center: 713-957-7800
Hours:
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
HCAD’s contact page also provides appointment options for customer-service assistance.
Current HCAD Contact InformationCheck HCAD’s current contact/holiday page and consider making an appointment, particularly close to exemption or protest deadlines when customer-service demand is higher.
Before you click submit
Harris County Homestead Application Checklist
Understand your HCAD record
Homestead Exemption Terms Explained
- Market Value
- HCAD’s estimate of the property’s market value as of the statutory appraisal date. A residence-homestead cap does not cap market value.
- Appraised Value
- The value used after applicable appraisal limitations. For a capped residence homestead, this can be lower than market value.
- Taxable Value
- The value remaining for a particular taxing unit after applicable exemptions and other adjustments.
- General Residence Homestead
- The primary Texas exemption for an owner-occupied principal residence.
- Local-Option Exemption
- An additional percentage or fixed-dollar homestead exemption adopted by an individual taxing unit.
- Homestead Cap
- The Texas limitation that generally restricts annual increases in a qualifying residence homestead’s appraised value to the statutory calculation.
- Tax Ceiling
- A limitation on qualifying school taxes for an age-65 or disabled homeowner. Certain other taxing units may also adopt tax ceilings.
- HCAD
- Harris Central Appraisal District, the appraisal district responsible for property valuation and exemption administration within Harris County.
Common homeowner questions
Harris County Homestead Exemption FAQs
How much is the Harris County homestead exemption in 2026?
A qualifying homeowner receives at least the Texas $140,000 school-district residence homestead exemption. Harris County currently provides a 20% general local-option homestead exemption. Other school districts, cities, colleges, MUDs and special districts can provide different additional exemptions.
Where do I apply for a Harris County homestead exemption?
Apply through the Harris Central Appraisal District, commonly called HCAD. HCAD provides an online Form 11.13, a mobile-app route for certain exemptions, paper forms and in-person customer service.
Is the Harris County homestead exemption application free?
Yes. Filing the exemption directly with HCAD is free. HCAD has warned homeowners to be cautious of solicitations offering homestead filing services for a fee.
What is the deadline to file a Harris County homestead exemption?
HCAD recommends filing a regular current-year residence homestead application from January 1 through April 30. However, Texas law provides late-filing provisions, so missing April 30 does not necessarily eliminate your ability to claim the exemption.
Can I file a Harris County homestead exemption after April 30?
Yes, in many cases. HCAD states that a late general residence homestead application may be filed up to two years after the date the taxes became delinquent for the year involved. Different deadlines apply to some special exemptions.
Can I get a homestead exemption if I bought my home after January 1?
Potentially yes. Texas law allows a qualifying new owner to receive the general residence homestead exemption for the applicable portion of the acquisition year when the owner begins owning and occupying the home as a principal residence and the statutory requirements are satisfied. The previous owner’s exemption status can affect the result.
What documents do I need for a Harris County homestead exemption?
Most applicants need a Texas driver’s license or state-issued ID showing the property address. Additional documents can be required when HCAD has not updated ownership or when you claim disability, surviving-spouse, veteran, heir-property, manufactured-home or other special qualification.
Does my driver’s-license address have to match my Harris County home?
HCAD normally requires the Texas driver’s-license or state-ID address to correspond to the property address. The official application contains limited exceptions and waiver procedures for certain situations such as active-duty military, address-confidentiality participants and qualifying care-facility residents.
Can I use the HCAD mobile app to apply?
Yes. HCAD’s current mobile exemption system supports the general residence homestead and age-65 exemption. The mobile workflow requires a Texas driver’s license or state ID matching the property address and asks for the occupancy date.
How can I check whether my Harris County homestead exemption was approved?
Search your property through HCAD and review the exemption and jurisdiction information on the property account. HCAD’s mobile app also provides application-status functionality for its mobile exemption process.
Does the homestead exemption cap my home’s market value?
No. HCAD still determines market value. The Texas residence-homestead limitation generally caps the annual increase in appraised value using the statutory 10% calculation plus qualifying new improvements once the cap applies.
When does the 10% homestead cap start?
The appraisal limitation takes effect on January 1 of the tax year following the first tax year in which the owner qualifies the property for the residence homestead exemption.
Do homeowners age 65 or older receive another exemption?
Yes. Texas law requires school districts to provide a qualifying owner age 65 or older an additional $60,000 residence homestead exemption. Other Harris County taxing units may provide additional local exemptions, and qualifying owners also receive a school-tax ceiling.
Can a disabled homeowner get an additional Harris County homestead exemption?
Yes. A homeowner who meets the Texas disability definition can qualify for an additional $60,000 school-district residence homestead exemption, a school-tax ceiling and any applicable local-option disability exemptions.
Do 100% disabled veterans pay property tax on their Harris County homestead?
A veteran who satisfies the Texas requirements for the 100% disabled-veteran residence-homestead exemption can receive a total exemption of the qualifying residence homestead’s appraised value from property taxation.
Do I have to reapply for the Harris County homestead exemption every year?
Normally no. Once granted, the residence homestead exemption generally remains in place unless HCAD requires a new application or your ownership, occupancy or eligibility changes.
Can I claim a Harris County homestead exemption on a rental property?
The general exemption is for your principal residence. Renting part of a qualifying residence does not necessarily destroy the entire homestead, but exemption treatment can exclude value attributable to areas used primarily for purposes incompatible with the owner’s residential use.
Can an inherited home qualify for a Harris County homestead exemption?
Yes. Texas provides special residence-homestead rules for qualifying heir property. An heir-property owner may be able to qualify even when ordinary deed records do not yet identify that applicant as the sole record owner.
Is HCAD the same as the Harris County Tax Office?
No. HCAD appraises property and administers exemptions. It does not levy tax rates, send the final tax bills or collect property-tax payments. Tax-payment questions belong with the appropriate tax office or taxing unit.
Why is the seller’s tax bill lower than my estimated Harris County taxes?
The seller may have a long-standing homestead cap, age-65 tax ceiling, disability exemption or other tax relief that does not automatically transfer to you. A new owner’s future appraised and taxable values should be estimated using the new ownership situation rather than the seller’s bill alone.
Primary-source research
Official Harris County & Texas Homestead Resources
This guide uses current HCAD and Texas Comptroller information available on August 22, 2026. Local-option exemptions and tax rates can be changed by individual taxing units, and 2026 tax rates for many Harris County jurisdictions are not yet final because rates are generally adopted later in the year.
For an exact property-specific calculation, open your HCAD property account and review its current Exemptions and Jurisdictions information rather than relying on a countywide example.
Independent Property Tax Guide: This website is an independent educational resource. It is not operated by, affiliated with or endorsed by the Harris Central Appraisal District, Harris County, Harris County Tax Office, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts or any other government agency.
This article explains publicly available homestead-exemption rules and official filing resources. It is not legal, tax or financial advice and does not determine whether a particular property or homeowner qualifies. Exemption amounts, tax rates, deadlines and local-option benefits can change. Verify consequential information with HCAD or the responsible taxing authority before acting.