Travis County, Texas • Residence homestead exemption guide • reviewed September 4, 2026
Travis County TX Homestead Exemption: 2026 Rules, Savings, Filing Steps and Local Contacts
The Travis County homestead exemption can lower taxable value on a home you own and occupy as your principal residence.
Applications are handled by Travis Central Appraisal District, usually called TCAD.
The Travis County Tax Office handles tax bills, payments and refunds after TCAD certifies values and exemptions.
For 2026, the statewide school homestead exemption is $140,000. Travis County also lists a local 20% homestead exemption with a $5,000 minimum for the Travis County taxing unit.
Fast answer
Travis County Homestead Exemption Quick Facts
TCAD approves or denies residence homestead exemptions.
File by April 30 for timely current-year processing.
Late general homestead filing can be available within two years after the tax delinquency date.
Mandatory statewide school-district residence homestead exemption for 2026.
Additional statewide school exemption for qualifying age-65-or-older or disabled homeowners.
Listed in TCAD’s 2026 exemption report for the Travis County taxing unit.
TCAD says action on an exemption application can take up to 90 days.
TCAD says homestead status is usually visible online after processing, often around 4–6 weeks.
TCAD and the Travis County Tax Office state that filing for the general homestead exemption is free.
Local contacts
TCAD vs. Tax Office vs. Clerk: Who Handles What?
Travis Central Appraisal District
Use for: homestead applications, exemptions, property values, appraisal notices, property search, protests and ARB matters.
Address: 850 East Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752
Mailing: P.O. Box 149012, Austin, TX 78714-9012
Phone: 512-834-9317
Exemption helpline: 512-873-1560
Email: CSInfo@tcadcentral.org
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 7:45 AM–4:45 PM; Tue/Thu 9:00 AM–4:45 PM
Travis County Tax Office
Use for: property-tax bills, payment receipts, delinquent taxes, refunds after certified corrections and tax-office payment plans.
Tax Assessor-Collector: Celia Israel
Street address: 2433 Ridgepoint Dr., Austin, TX 78754-5231
Property-tax mail: P.O. Box 149328, Austin, TX 78714-9328
Phone: 512-854-9473
Email: taxoffice@traviscountytx.gov
Travis County Clerk Recording Division
Use for: deeds, real-property recordings, copies of recorded documents and deed-record issues.
Main recording office: 5501 Airport Blvd., Ste. 100B, Austin, TX 78751
Current service note: the Airport recording office page states limited services may require appointment during the temporary closure notice.
Civil Family Courthouse service location: 1700 Guadalupe St., 4th Floor, Ste. 4.300, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-854-9188
Travis County Commissioners Court
Use for: county policy, budgets, tax-rate hearings and public comment.
Courtroom: 700 Lavaca Street, 1st Floor, Austin, TX 78701
Why it matters: commissioners do not approve your homestead, but they affect the county tax rate and county exemption policy.
Open Commissioners Court pageTCAD office map
Use this location for TCAD in-person exemption, property record, protest and appraisal-district questions.
Bring your property ID or address, Texas ID, application confirmation and any exemption documents.
2026 exemption amounts
How Travis County Homestead Exemption Amounts Stack
A Travis County home may have several taxable values because each taxing unit can apply a different exemption.
TCAD’s 2026 exemption listing report was generated July 19, 2026 and shows entity-by-entity exemption rules.
School districts: most Travis-area school districts list the statewide $140,000 homestead exemption.
Age 65+ or disabled school benefit: school districts list an additional $60,000 exemption and a tax ceiling.
Travis County: the county taxing unit lists a 20% local-option general homestead exemption with a $5,000 minimum.
Travis County age 65+ / disabled: the county taxing unit lists a $145,269 local option amount for qualifying age-65-or-older or disabled homeowners.
City of Austin: the city lists a 20% local-option homestead exemption with a $5,000 minimum, plus a $204,000 local option amount for age-65-or-older or disabled homeowners.
Austin ISD: the report lists the $140,000 school exemption, plus local age/disability amounts and school tax ceilings.
Lake Travis ISD: the report lists the $140,000 school exemption and also shows a 20% local-option homestead entry with a $5,000 minimum.
Search your TCAD property record and check the taxing units attached to that parcel. City, ISD, MUD, WCID, ESD, community college and hospital district combinations can differ even between nearby homes.
Eligibility
Who Qualifies for the Travis County Residence Homestead Exemption?
Individual owner: the applicant must be an individual, not a corporation or business entity.
Principal residence: the home must be the owner’s primary residence.
One homestead: the owner may not claim another residence homestead in Texas or outside Texas.
Residential use: the land should be private residential use and generally no more than 20 acres for homestead purposes.
Not agricultural or commercial use: property used for agricultural or commercial business purposes may need separate review.
Mid-year buyers: a prorated general homestead may be available when the prior owner did not receive the same exemption for that tax year.
Documents to prepare
Texas driver license or DPS ID: TCAD says the address must match the homestead property address.
Passport or CHL warning: TCAD says it cannot accept a passport or concealed handgun license for the address-match requirement.
Trust ownership: keep a copy of the trust document if the property is held in a trust.
Mobile home: TCAD says a mobile-home applicant may need title or a verified purchase contract.
Age proof: use Texas driver license or Texas ID for age-65-or-older exemption proof.
Disability proof: TCAD may request Social Security disability documentation or other accepted evidence.
Veteran proof: disabled veteran categories require current Department of Veterans Affairs documentation.
Filing workflow
How to Apply for the Travis County Homestead Exemption
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Confirm the property is your principal residence.
Do this before filing so you do not claim homestead on the wrong property.
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Update your Texas ID first.
The Texas driver license or DPS ID address should match the homestead address unless a statutory exception applies.
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Search your TCAD property record.
Use TCAD’s official property search to confirm the owner, property address and account information.
Open TCAD Property SearchAfter opening: choose Property Search, then search by owner name, property address or account number. If the address search fails, remove street suffixes such as Street, Drive, Lane, Avenue or Road, and try fewer words. -
Open TCAD’s homestead page.
Start from TCAD’s official homestead page so you use the current application route.
Open TCAD Homestead ExemptionsAfter opening: review the exemption categories, then use the Apply Online link or forms library. Use the exemption helpline at 512-873-1560 if you are unsure which category applies. -
Use the online application or paper form.
TCAD accepts exemption applications online, by mail or at the office.
Open TCAD Online Exemption ApplicationAfter opening: create or log into the portal, select the homestead exemption application, enter the property and owner information, upload ID and required documents, submit, and save the confirmation. -
Use the forms page if you need paper documents.
The state residence homestead application is Form 50-114.
Open TCAD FormsAfter opening: choose the online homestead application when possible. If you need a PDF, use the forms database and look for Form 50-114 or related affidavits such as Form 50-114-A. -
Keep proof of submission.
Save confirmation emails, screenshots and copies of every uploaded document.
After filing
How to Check Travis County Homestead Status
TCAD says online applicants receive an email notification when the filing is processed.
TCAD also says homestead status is displayed on its website and is often worth checking around 4–6 weeks after submission.
Step 1: confirm the online filing was submitted and not left as a draft.
Step 2: search the TCAD property record and look for the exemption area or exemption codes.
Step 3: if TCAD approves the exemption, the Travis County Tax Office applies certified exemption data to the tax bill.
Step 4: if the exemption is denied, TCAD says you will be notified and offered an opportunity to protest the decision.
TCAD announced that homeowners who began claiming a homestead exemption from 2010 through 2019 may be included in the 2026 exemption verification program. No action is needed unless TCAD sends you a notice.
Cap vs exemption
10% Homestead Appraisal Limitation and Tax Ceilings
A homestead exemption lowers taxable value. The 10% appraisal limitation is a separate rule that can limit annual increases in net appraised value.
TCAD’s homeowner toolkit explains that the 10% limitation generally begins after you have owned and resided in the home for at least one full calendar year.
10% homestead cap
Limits the increase in net appraised value for a qualifying residence homestead.
It does not cap the tax rate, and it does not stop every tax bill increase.
Age 65+ or disability tax ceiling
School tax ceilings are mandatory for qualifying age-65-or-older and disabled homeowners.
County, city or junior college ceilings only apply if that taxing unit adopted a ceiling.
Ceiling transfer
TCAD says age-65-or-older or disabled homeowners may transfer the same percentage of tax paid to a new qualified Texas homestead.
This is not the same as transferring the entire old tax bill.
20% circuit breaker
TCAD says the 20% circuit breaker applies to certain non-homestead real property for 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Properties already receiving a homestead exemption continue under the standard 10% homestead limitation instead.
Tax math
How Travis County Homestead Savings Are Estimated
Texas property tax is calculated by taxing unit. Each unit applies its own exemption, taxable value and tax rate.
That is why the same Travis County home can have different taxable values for Austin ISD, Travis County, City of Austin, ACC, Central Health, a MUD, a WCID or an ESD.
Open simple educational savings calculator
School exemption used: $140,000.00
Travis County 20% exemption: $100,000.00
Estimated school savings: $1,400.00
Estimated county savings: $300.00
Estimated total from these fields: $1,700.00
Special benefits
Senior, Disability, Veteran, Surviving-Spouse and Fire-Destroyed Homestead Benefits
Age 65 or older
Available in the year the homeowner turns 65.
Includes the additional school exemption and a school tax ceiling.
Disabled person
TCAD uses Social Security disability standards for this category.
A qualifying disabled homeowner may also receive a school tax ceiling.
100% disabled veteran
Can exempt the total appraised value of a qualifying residence homestead.
TCAD requires current VA documentation.
Partial disabled veteran
Texas partial disabled veteran exemptions can range from $5,000 to $12,000 depending on disability percentage.
These are not the same as the 100% disabled veteran homestead exemption.
Surviving spouse
Several surviving-spouse categories exist, including first responder, armed service member and qualifying veteran categories.
Each category has separate proof requirements.
Destroyed by fire
For 2026, TCAD lists a fire-destroyed residence homestead benefit for a completely destroyed improvement that remains uninhabitable for at least 30 days.
The application and supporting documents must be filed within 180 days after the fire.
Appeal vs tax bill
What If Your Travis County Value or Exemption Looks Wrong?
A homestead filing, a value protest and a tax-bill question are three different tasks.
Exemption missing or denied
Start with TCAD. Confirm your application was submitted and check your TCAD property record.
If denied, TCAD says you will be notified and given an opportunity to protest.
Market value too high
Use TCAD’s protest process.
The usual deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later.
Tax bill or payment problem
Use the Travis County Tax Office.
TCAD does not distribute tax bills or accept tax payments.
Deed or recording issue
Use the Travis County Clerk Recording Division.
Appraisal records are not a substitute for legal title review.
Local taxing entities
Why Travis County Homes Can Have Different Exemptions
Travis County parcels can be taxed by several local entities.
Your exact combination depends on location, school district, city limits and special districts.
A nearby property may be in a different city, school district, MUD, WCID or emergency-services district.
Decision path
What to Do Next
If you just bought a home: update your Texas ID, search your TCAD record and apply through TCAD.
If you missed April 30: file anyway if you are within the Texas late-filing window.
If your application is pending: wait for TCAD processing, then check the property record and your email confirmation.
If TCAD sent a verification notice: respond by the deadline on the letter or your exemption may be removed.
If value is too high: file a protest with TCAD before the deadline shown by law or on your notice.
If the bill is wrong after approval: contact the Travis County Tax Office because it handles billing after certified values are received.
If ownership or deed records are wrong: check the Travis County Clerk recording record and consider legal help for title issues.
Important caution
Independent Information, Tax Caution and Property-Records Notice
This page is independent informational content for homeowners.
It is not the official website of TCAD, Travis County, the Travis County Tax Office, the Texas Comptroller or any government agency.
It is not legal advice, tax advice, an official tax bill, an exemption approval or an appraisal notice.
Verify deadlines, exemption amounts, forms, tax rates, office hours and filing methods directly with the responsible official agency before acting.
Property records are for property-tax, appraisal, deed-reference and public-record purposes only.
Do not use property-record information for employment screening, tenant screening, credit, insurance or any purpose regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
FAQs
Travis County Homestead Exemption FAQs
Who handles Travis County homestead exemption applications?
Travis Central Appraisal District handles homestead exemption applications, exemption records and exemption denials. The Travis County Tax Office handles tax bills and payments after TCAD certifies the records.
What is the Travis County homestead filing deadline?
The normal timely filing deadline is April 30. Late general homestead applications can be available if filed no later than two years after the date the taxes become delinquent.
How much is the 2026 school homestead exemption in Travis County?
For 2026, Texas school districts provide a $140,000 residence homestead exemption. Qualifying age-65-or-older or disabled homeowners receive an additional $60,000 school exemption.
Does Travis County offer a local homestead exemption?
Yes. TCAD’s 2026 exemption listing report shows the Travis County taxing unit with a 20% local-option homestead exemption and a $5,000 minimum.
How long does TCAD take to process a homestead application?
TCAD says action on an exemption application can take up to 90 days from the date it is received. TCAD also says online homestead status is often worth checking around 4–6 weeks after submission.
Do I need to apply for homestead every year?
No, not normally. TCAD says you do not have to reapply unless the chief appraiser requests a new application in writing, you move, or your qualifications change.
What ID does TCAD require for homestead?
TCAD says the Texas driver license or DPS ID should display the homestead property address. TCAD says it cannot accept a passport or concealed handgun license for that address-match purpose.
Can I get homestead if I bought during the year?
A prorated general residence homestead exemption may be available if you acquire and occupy the property during the tax year and the previous owner did not receive the same exemption for that year.
What is the 10% homestead cap in Travis County?
The 10% homestead appraisal limitation can limit annual increases in net appraised value after qualification rules are met. It is not the same as an exemption amount or a full tax-bill freeze.
Can I protest if TCAD denies my homestead exemption?
Yes. TCAD says if you do not qualify, you will be notified and offered an opportunity to protest the decision.
Official resources