Williamson County, Texas • Homestead exemption guide • reviewed September 2, 2026
Texas Williamson County TX Homestead Exemption Guide: Rules, Savings, Deadline, Filing Steps and Local Resources
The Williamson County homestead exemption can reduce the taxable value of a home used as your principal residence.
You file with the Williamson Central Appraisal District, also called WCAD.
The Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector collects the tax bill after values, exemptions and tax rates are set.
For 2026, Texas school districts provide a $140,000 residence homestead exemption. Age 65 or older and disabled homeowners may also receive an additional $60,000 school exemption.
Fast answer
Williamson County Homestead Exemption Quick Facts
Use Williamson Central Appraisal District for homestead, exemptions, appraised value, address changes and protests.
Use this office for tax bills, payment, refunds, receipts, installments and delinquent-tax questions.
Texas school districts provide this residence homestead exemption for qualifying homeowners.
Qualifying age 65 or older and disabled homeowners can receive this additional school exemption.
County exemption tables show Williamson County with a local homestead option. Verify the current tax-year matrix.
WCAD says there is no fee to file exemptions, and annual reapplication is usually not required.
Search your WCAD property record, confirm ownership and situs address, then click the HS Homestead Exemption link on the property page.
Local office decoder
Williamson County Offices, Addresses, Phone Numbers and Roles
Texas property tax is split between appraisal, tax collection, records and tax-rate decisions.
Filing with the wrong office can delay an exemption, refund or corrected bill.
Williamson Central Appraisal District
Use for: homestead filing, exemptions, property value, appraisal notices, ownership updates, address updates, protests and tax-ceiling transfers.
Address: 625 FM 1460, Georgetown, TX 78626-8050
Phone: 512-930-3787
Email shown by Comptroller directory: pir@wcadhelp.zohodesk.com
Hours shown on WCAD pages: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Chief Appraiser: Alvin Lankford
Taxpayer Liaison Officer: Glenda Williams
Open WCADWilliamson County Tax Assessor-Collector
Use for: property-tax statements, payments, e-statements, receipts, refunds, installment plans, delinquent taxes and tax certificates.
Mailing / Georgetown office: 1848 Texas Trail, Georgetown, TX 78626
Phone: 512-943-1601
Email: propertytax@wilcotx.gov
Current Tax Assessor-Collector: Catherine Totty
Hours shown: Monday 8:00 AM–5:30 PM; Tuesday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Open Property Tax OfficeWilliamson County Clerk
Use for: deeds, official public records, land recording, plat records, property fraud alerts and certified copies.
Land recording / assumed names: 1848 Texas Trail, Georgetown, TX 78626
Court cases: 405 Martin Luther King St., Georgetown, TX 78626
Phone: 512-943-1515
Mailing address: PO Box 647, Jarrell, TX 76537-0647
County Clerk: Nancy E. Rister
Open County ClerkWilliamson County Commissioners Court
Use for: county budget, county tax rate, public meetings, county policy and commissioner district issues.
Address: 710 Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626
Phone: 512-943-1100
County Judge: Steven Snell
Commissioners: Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, Valerie Covey and Russ Boles
Open Commissioners CourtTexas Comptroller Property Tax Assistance
Use for: statewide exemption rules, official forms, deadlines, protest guides and the county directory.
Key point: the Comptroller provides guidance but does not approve your Williamson County exemption.
Open Texas Property Tax ExemptionsWilliamson County Appraisal Review Board
Use for: formal protest hearings after a value, exemption, ownership or appraisal-record dispute is filed.
Important: the ARB is separate and independent from WCAD during the formal protest process.
Open Williamson County ARBGoogle Map
Map to Williamson Central Appraisal District
This is the main local office for homestead filing, exemption status, property value, appraisal notices and protests.
The county Tax Assessor-Collector is a different office at 1848 Texas Trail for bills and payments.
Williamson Central Appraisal District
Address: 625 FM 1460, Georgetown, TX 78626-8050
Phone: 512-930-3787
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Use for: exemptions, appraisal records, address changes and protests.
Content gap solved
Details Williamson County Homeowners Often Miss
The school exemption changed: for 2026, Texas school homestead exemption is $140,000, so older $100,000 references should be rechecked.
WCAD filing is free: third-party letters may offer paid filing help, but WCAD does not charge for exemption applications.
Online filing starts from Property Search: WCAD says to locate the property and click the HS Homestead Exemption icon.
Address match matters: WCAD requires a Texas driver license or state ID showing the current physical property address.
April 30 is still the best current-year target: WCAD benefit pages reference filing by April 30, even though late and prorated rules can apply.
Late homestead can go back: WCAD deadline tables show prior-year homestead deadlines extending to January 31 after the second delinquency year.
The 10% cap is delayed: the homestead cap takes effect January 1 after the first year the owner qualifies.
County, city and school exemptions differ: Williamson County, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, Austin and MUDs can show different local options.
Tax ceiling is separate: age 65 or disabled exemptions can trigger school tax ceiling rules and local-option freezes where adopted.
Tax office refunds are separate: if a prior-year exemption creates a refund, WCAD processes exemption status, while the Tax Assessor-Collector handles collections and refunds.
Qualification checklist
Who Qualifies for the Williamson County TX Homestead Exemption?
You must have an ownership interest in the Williamson County property.
You must occupy and use the home as your principal residence.
You must state that you do not claim another residence homestead in or outside Texas.
WCAD says property owners may qualify immediately upon owning and occupying the home if the previous owner did not receive the same exemption for that tax year.
The Texas residence homestead can include a structure, mobile home or separately secured and occupied portion of a structure, with qualifying land up to 20 acres.
WCAD says a mobile home can qualify even if you do not own the land, but you must provide ownership or purchase-contract proof.
Filing workflow
How to Apply for Williamson County Homestead Exemption Online
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Update your Texas ID first.
Make sure your Texas driver license or state ID shows the same physical address as the homestead property.
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Search the WCAD property record.
Find your account, owner name, situs address, taxing units, appraised value and exemption section.
Open WCAD Property SearchAfter opening: search by name, address or property identifier. Open the correct property and save the R account number. -
Click the HS Homestead Exemption icon.
WCAD says online filing begins from the property record after you locate your property.
Open WCAD Online Exemption InformationAfter opening: read the no-fee notice, supported exemption list, file-extension rule and ID requirement before filing. -
Select all applicable exemptions.
The online homestead application can cover general homestead, over 65, disabled person and 100% disabled veteran categories.
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Upload supporting documents.
Attach Texas ID, VA letter, disability proof, manufactured-home documents, heir-property affidavits or tax-ceiling transfer certificates when required.
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Submit and save confirmation.
WCAD says online filing gives an instant submission confirmation and may later send additional document requests.
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Track the exemption status.
Check the property record later for Received, Pending or Active status. WCAD says processing can take up to 90 days.
You can also mail or hand-deliver Texas Form 50-114 and a matching Texas ID copy to WCAD if online filing is not suitable.
Deadline guide
Williamson County Homestead Exemption Deadlines
WCAD benefit guidance says the filing deadline is April 30 with the county appraisal district.
Texas Comptroller guidance describes the general exemption application deadline as before May 1.
WCAD deadline tables show 2026 homestead late-application deadline as January 31, 2029.
If birth-date or disability information is not already provided, apply within one year of qualifying.
Most protests are due May 15 or within 30 days after the appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later.
Williamson County says 2026 taxes must be paid in full by this date to avoid penalty and interest.
WCAD also says there is no need to wait until the next year to apply for homestead and related exemptions.
Apply as soon as you own and occupy the property and your Texas ID reflects the homestead address.
A late application may still be possible, but waiting can delay tax savings, refunds, escrow correction and protest strategy.
Savings math
How Much Can the Williamson County Homestead Exemption Save?
Texas tax rates are generally stated per $100 of taxable value.
Savings depend on your school district, city, county, road/farm-to-market unit, MUD, ESD and any adopted local-option exemptions.
Simple school-tax example
A $450,000 homestead with the $140,000 school exemption is taxed for school purposes as if the school taxable value were $310,000.
At a 1.05 school tax rate per $100, the school exemption alone saves about $1,470.
County, city, MUD and special district savings must be calculated separately because local exemptions vary.
Open Williamson County homestead savings calculator
School exemption used: $140,000.00
County exemption used: $22,500.00
FM/RD exemption used: $3,000.00
Estimated exemption savings: $1,686.55
Assessment limit
Williamson County Homestead Cap: 10% Appraised-Value Limit
The Texas homestead cap is separate from the dollar exemption.
It limits annual increases in a qualifying residence homestead’s appraised value to 10% plus the value of new improvements.
The cap takes effect January 1 after the first year the owner qualifies the property for homestead.
Market value can rise more than 10%, but capped appraised value may be lower.
New improvements can be added above the 10% calculation.
The seller’s capped value and exemptions may not protect your first full tax year. Use WCAD and tax tools before budgeting.
Extra benefits
Age 65, Disabled Person, Disabled Veteran, Survivor and Tax Deferral Benefits
Texas and Williamson County provide additional benefits beyond the general residence homestead exemption.
These benefits often require extra proof and can affect tax ceilings, installment options and refunds.
Age 65 or older
Texas school districts provide an additional $60,000 residence homestead exemption for qualifying age 65 or older homeowners.
WCAD knowledge-base summaries also identify Williamson County local-option relief for age 65 homeowners.
Disabled person
Texas school districts provide the same additional $60,000 exemption for qualifying disabled homeowners.
WCAD may request Social Security Disability, Medicare or physician documentation.
School tax ceiling
When you qualify for age 65 or disabled person homestead, school taxes on that home generally do not increase while the exemption remains in place.
New improvements can adjust the ceiling under Texas law.
Tax ceiling transfer
A tax ceiling can transfer from a recently sold Texas homestead to a new Williamson County homestead.
If moving from another county, WCAD may require a tax ceiling transfer certificate.
Disabled veteran
Texas disabled veteran exemptions range by disability rating and can apply across taxing units.
WCAD lists $5,000, $7,500, $10,000 and $12,000 exemption tiers for DV1 through DV4 ratings.
100% disabled veteran
A veteran receiving 100% disability compensation due to service-connected disability may qualify for a total residence homestead exemption.
WCAD requires VA documentation and a matching Texas ID.
Surviving spouse categories
Texas law includes surviving spouse benefits for certain disabled veterans, armed-services members, first responders and qualifying veterans.
Do not assume transfer without filing the proper application and proof.
Tax deferral and quarter pay
Age 65, disabled, disabled veteran and certain surviving-spouse accounts may qualify for tax deferral or quarter payment options.
Deferral postpones collection; it does not erase the tax forever.
After filing
How to Check Your Williamson County Homestead Exemption Status
Open WCAD Property Search: search by name, address or account number.
Select your property: confirm the situs address and owner name before reviewing exemption status.
Check Owner Information: WCAD says exemptions appear in the Owner Information section.
Check Entities and Exemptions: HS, over 65, disabled person and other exemptions can also appear there.
Read the status label: WCAD examples include Received, Pending and Active.
Allow processing time: WCAD says exemption requests can take up to 90 days.
Refund question: if a prior-year exemption becomes active and a refund may be due, contact the Tax Assessor-Collector.
Tax bills and payments
Williamson County Property Tax Bills, Payments, Installments and Locations
The Tax Assessor-Collector does not set appraised value or approve homestead exemptions.
Use the Tax Office for payment after WCAD values, exemptions and taxing-unit rates are applied.
Williamson County says 2026 property tax statements will be mailed during that week.
Pay in full by this date to avoid penalty and interest.
County guidance says a 7% penalty and interest applies to outstanding balances then.
Eligible accounts can pay installments due January 31, March 31, May 31 and July 31.
Use Tax.Wilcotx.gov to find statements, payment history and receipts.
Williamson County says online e-check property tax payments are not assessed a vendor convenience fee.
Open Williamson County Tax Office location notes
Georgetown: 1848 Texas Trail, Georgetown, TX 78626
Cedar Park: 350 Discovery Boulevard, Suite 101, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Round Rock: 1801 E Old Settlers Boulevard, Suite 115, Round Rock, TX 78664
Taylor: 412 Vance Street, Suite 1, Taylor, TX 76574
Drive-thru: Cedar Park and Round Rock list drive-thru service for property tax payments and certain other services.
Drop boxes: do not place cash or credit card payments in drop boxes.
Appeals and corrections
Homestead Exemption Problem vs. Appraisal Protest in Williamson County
A missing homestead exemption and a high appraised value are different problems.
Start with WCAD. If not resolved, preserve your protest rights before the deadline.
Exemption missing
Check WCAD Property Search for HS status, then contact WCAD with your account number, filing date and proof.
If a prior-year refund may be due after approval, contact the Tax Assessor-Collector.
Value too high
Review market value, appraised value, comparable sales, property condition and the homestead cap.
WCAD online appeals are commonly focused on market-value protests.
Taxing units wrong
Check your city, school district, MUD, ESD and special districts on WCAD and the county tax statement.
Contact WCAD for taxing-jurisdiction questions shown on the property record.
Deed or ownership issue
Use the County Clerk for recorded deed research and certified copies.
Use legal help for title, probate, heir-property, trust, divorce or ownership disputes.
Local tax-unit differences
Why Williamson County Homestead Savings Vary by City, School District and MUD
The same homestead can produce different savings because each taxing unit has its own rate and local-option exemptions.
Always check the actual taxing units on your WCAD record and county tax statement.
A nearby home may have a different ISD, MUD, city boundary, senior freeze, local exemption, cap year or protest outcome.
Document checklist
Documents to Prepare Before Filing
WCAD account number: locate it through WCAD Property Search; the online application may prefill it.
Texas driver license or Texas ID: WCAD requires it to show the current physical address of the homestead property.
Prior homestead removal proof: may be requested if you previously had a homestead in another county.
Tax ceiling transfer certificate: needed if transferring an age 65, disabled, 100% disabled veteran or survivor ceiling from another county.
Manufactured-home proof: provide statement of ownership or verified purchase contract when applicable.
Heir-property affidavit: needed when the applicant is not specifically identified on a deed or recorded instrument.
Prior owner death certificate: commonly needed for heir-property applications.
Recent utility bill: Texas heir-property rules can require the property’s most recent utility bill.
Disability proof: Social Security Disability, Medicare or physician documentation may be required for disabled person exemption.
VA documentation: needed for disabled veteran, 100% disabled veteran or survivor categories.
Deed or closing proof: helpful if ownership has not updated correctly on the appraisal record.
Agent authorization: use an appointment-of-agent form if someone else handles the application or protest.
Avoid delays
Common Williamson County Homestead Exemption Mistakes
Filing with the Tax Office: tax payments go there, but homestead filing belongs with WCAD.
Using an old exemption amount: confirm 2026 school exemption amounts instead of relying on older $100,000 references.
Uploading uppercase file extensions: WCAD notes attached documents need lower-case file extensions.
Forgetting ID address match: the Texas driver license or ID should show the homestead’s current physical address.
Assuming seller exemptions transfer: your exemption, cap and tax ceiling depend on your own qualification and application.
Missing local-option differences: city, MUD, school, ESD and county exemptions are not identical.
Ignoring the appraisal notice: the notice can reveal missing HS status, value issues, wrong owner data or protest deadlines.
Waiting on a refund: WCAD handles exemption processing; the Tax Assessor-Collector handles collection and refund questions.
Not reapplying after moving: you must file on the new principal residence and stop claiming any old homestead.
Ignoring audit letters: Texas requires periodic homestead reviews, and failure to respond can risk cancellation.
Important caution
Independent Information, Tax Caution and Property-Records Notice
This page is independent informational content for Williamson County homeowners.
It is not the official website of Williamson Central Appraisal District, Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector, Williamson County Clerk, Williamson County Government, Texas Comptroller or any government agency.
It is not legal advice, tax advice, an exemption approval, a tax bill, an appraisal notice or an Appraisal Review Board decision.
Verify exemption amounts, filing windows, tax rates, office hours, forms, protest deadlines, payment rules and refund procedures directly with official sources.
Property records should be used only for property-tax, appraisal, ownership-reference and public-record purposes.
Do not use property-record information for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or any Fair Credit Reporting Act regulated purpose.
FAQs
Williamson County TX Homestead Exemption FAQs
Where do I file the Williamson County TX homestead exemption?
File with Williamson Central Appraisal District, also called WCAD.
The Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector handles tax bills and payments after exemptions and values are processed.
How do I file Williamson County homestead exemption online?
Open WCAD Property Search, locate your property and click the HS Homestead Exemption icon.
WCAD says the online application supports general homestead, over 65, disabled person and 100% disabled veteran categories.
Is there a fee to file with WCAD?
No. WCAD says there is no fee to file exemption applications.
Be careful with third-party letters that charge for filing help.
What is the 2026 Texas school homestead exemption amount?
For 2026, Texas school districts provide a $140,000 residence homestead exemption.
Age 65 or older and disabled homeowners may also qualify for an additional $60,000 school exemption.
What local homestead exemption does Williamson County show?
Williamson County exemption tables show a local-option county homestead exemption of 5% or a $5,000 minimum.
Always verify the current tax-year matrix because cities, MUDs, school districts and special districts can differ.
What is the Williamson County homestead exemption deadline?
WCAD guidance references April 30 as the filing deadline, while Texas statewide guidance describes the general deadline as before May 1.
WCAD also accepts certain late and prior-year homestead applications under Texas rules.
Can a new Williamson County buyer get a prorated homestead exemption?
Yes, Texas and WCAD guidance allow a qualifying owner to receive the exemption for the applicable portion of the tax year after buying and occupying the home.
This generally requires that the prior owner did not receive the same exemption for that tax year.
When does the Texas 10% homestead cap start?
The cap takes effect on January 1 of the tax year after the first year the owner qualifies the property for the residence homestead exemption.
It limits appraised-value increases, not market-value changes.
How do I check my WCAD exemption status?
Search your property on WCAD and look in Owner Information and Entities and Exemptions.
WCAD says statuses can include Received, Pending and Active, and processing can take up to 90 days.
Can a mobile home qualify for Williamson County homestead exemption?
Yes. WCAD says a mobile home can qualify even when the applicant does not own the land.
The applicant must provide a statement of ownership or verified purchase contract.
What if my Williamson County homestead exemption is missing?
Contact WCAD first with the property account number, filing date, confirmation and supporting documents.
If a refund may be due after approval, contact the Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector.
Can I protest a Williamson County value or exemption issue?
Yes. File a protest with WCAD before the deadline shown on the appraisal notice or under the applicable Texas deadline.
Most protests are due May 15 or within 30 days after the notice is mailed, whichever is later.
Official resources