Collin County, Texas • Online homestead filing guide • reviewed September 8, 2026
Collin County TX Homestead Exemption Online Filing Guide
Collin County homestead exemption applications are handled by the Collin Central Appraisal District, also called CCAD or Collin CAD.
The online filing route is the CCAD Taxpayer Portal. You normally need your Property ID and eFile PIN from your mailed Appraisal Notice or Exemptions Notice.
Do not file with the Collin County Tax Office if your goal is to apply for the exemption. The Tax Office handles tax bills and payments after CCAD certifies values and exemptions.
Start here
Collin County Homestead Online Filing Quick Facts
CCAD decides homestead qualification, exemptions, appraisal records and protests.
Use it to file applications, review property details, opt into electronic communication and file protests.
These are usually printed on the mailed Appraisal Notice or Exemptions Notice.
General homestead applications are normally filed January 1 through April 30.
CCAD says late filings may be accepted up to two years after taxes became delinquent.
CCAD states there is never a fee to apply for an exemption with the appraisal district.
Texas school districts must provide this general residence homestead exemption.
Collin County’s FY 2026 budget materials maintain this county homestead exemption.
McKinney, TX 75069. Business hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
If you recently bought the property, do not use the previous owner’s Owner ID or PIN. CCAD says owner-specific IDs and PINs should not be shared or reused.
Primary intent
How to File the Collin County Homestead Exemption Online
Start online only after you confirm that CCAD has your current owner record or that you have the correct owner-specific eFile information.
The portal PIN acts as your digital signature. Treat it like private filing information.
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Open CCAD Property Search first.
Confirm your Property ID, owner record, situs address and current tax year.
Open CCAD Property SearchAfter opening: search by property address or owner name. If the search fails, use fewer words, remove apartment/unit text, remove punctuation and try the street number with the main street name only. -
Collect your eFile PIN.
Look on your mailed Appraisal Notice or Exemptions Notice for the Property ID and eFile PIN.
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Open the Taxpayer Portal.
Create or access your portal account with your current owner information.
Open CCAD Taxpayer PortalAfter opening: choose sign up or login, enter the Property ID and eFile PIN, follow the homestead application prompts, upload required documents and save your confirmation. -
Select the correct exemption type.
Choose General Residence Homestead first if the home is your principal residence.
Add age 65, disabled person, disabled veteran or surviving-spouse categories only when they apply.
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Upload your Texas ID and supporting documents.
The Texas driver license or Texas ID address should correspond to the property address unless a statutory exception or waiver applies.
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Submit before the deadline.
Do not leave the application in draft or pending status if the portal gives a final submission step.
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Check your record later.
Return to CCAD Property Search or the portal to confirm the exemption appears on the account.
CCAD’s homestead FAQ and form materials state that emailed applications are not accepted. Use the portal, mail, in-person filing or the 24/7 drop box.
PIN and portal help
How to Find Your Property ID, Owner ID or eFile PIN
CCAD says the Property ID and eFile PIN are printed on the most recent Appraisal Notice or Exemptions Notice mailed to the owner.
If you bought recently, CCAD says ownership records may take up to 90 days to update. That can affect your ability to register online.
If you have the notice: use the Property ID and eFile PIN printed on that notice.
If you lost the PIN: request help only if you are the current owner listed in CCAD Property Search.
If you recently closed: wait for CCAD ownership update or call CCAD before using any previous-owner information.
If the portal has a technical problem: use the helpdesk for website/eFile problems only.
If your question is about exemptions, ownership or value: call CCAD instead of using a website-help ticket.
If the portal is not working near a filing deadline, use a paper application by mail, in person or CCAD’s drop box. A technical ticket does not automatically extend a statutory deadline.
Before you apply
Documents Needed for the Online Homestead Application
Texas driver license or Texas ID
The address must correspond to the Collin County property address unless an exception applies.
Property ID and owner information
Use the Property ID from CCAD Property Search, the Appraisal Notice or the Exemptions Notice.
Ownership or deed support
If the applicant is not shown on a deed or recorded instrument, CCAD may require additional proof.
Heir property documents
Heir owners may need Form 50-114-A, death certificate, utility bill and available court-record citation.
Manufactured home evidence
Attach TDHCA Statement of Ownership, purchase agreement, payment receipt or affidavit if required.
Active-duty military exception
The application allows a military ID and matching utility bill when the address-match waiver applies.
Disability proof
CCAD materials reference disability benefit letters, physician statements or qualifying disability evidence.
Veteran proof
Disabled veteran claims need VA or branch documentation showing the qualifying disability rating or status.
Deadline guide
Collin County Homestead Exemption Filing Deadlines
For a general exemption, CCAD says the owner normally owns and resides in the home as of January 1.
CCAD says general applications should be filed in this window.
General late homestead may be filed up to two years after taxes became delinquent for that tax year.
A buyer after January 1 may qualify for the applicable part of the year if the previous owner did not receive the same exemption.
If you miss the regular April 30 deadline, file as soon as possible instead of waiting for another year.
If you are age 65, disabled or a disabled veteran, the late-filing rules can differ by exemption type. Verify the exact category before assuming the same deadline applies.
If CCAD has not updated the owner record yet, the portal may not recognize you as the current owner. Call CCAD before using someone else’s PIN.
Tax savings
How Much Can the Collin County Homestead Exemption Save?
Texas exemptions reduce taxable value. They do not reduce the market value shown by the appraisal district.
A Collin County home can have different taxable values for school district, county, city, college, MUD, road district or other taxing units.
School district: Texas requires a $140,000 school residence homestead exemption for qualifying homes.
County road / farm-to-market: Texas requires a $3,000 exemption where the county collects farm-to-market or flood-control taxes.
Collin County: county budget materials maintain a 5% local homestead exemption with a $5,000 minimum.
Other taxing units: city, ISD, college, MUD, MMD, ESD and utility-district exemptions must be checked by entity.
Open simple Collin County savings estimator
School exemption used: $140,000.00
County exemption used: $25,000.00
FM/RD exemption used: $3,000.00
Estimated school savings: $1,400.00
Estimated county savings: $37.34
Estimated FM/RD savings: $0.60
Total shown estimate: $1,437.94
Local office decoder
CCAD vs. Collin County Tax Office: Who Handles What?
Collin Central Appraisal District
Use for: homestead filing, exemption status, appraised value, ownership records, property search, appraisal notices and protests.
Address: 250 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75069-8023
Phone: 469-742-9200
Toll-free: 866-467-1110
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Chief Appraiser: Marty Wright
Open CCAD contact pageCCAD Taxpayer Liaison Officer
Use for: access issues and complaints that do not involve matters protestable under Tax Code Section 41.41.
Name: Christopher Nickell, TLO
Address: 250 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75069
Phone: 469-742-9200
Open TLO pageCollin County Tax Assessor-Collector
Use for: tax bills, payments, receipts, delinquent taxes, refunds and tax-statement questions.
Address: 2300 Bloomdale Road, McKinney, TX 75071
Phone: 972-547-5020
Email: taxassessor@collincountytx.gov
Tax Assessor-Collector: Scott Grigg
Open Collin County Tax Office portalTexas Comptroller Property Tax Assistance
Use for: statewide exemption rules, Texas Form 50-114, heir-property rules, disabled veteran rules and property-tax law guidance.
The Comptroller does not approve your Collin County application.
Open Texas exemption guidanceCCAD office map
Collin Central Appraisal District
250 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75069
CCAD says the office is on Eldorado Parkway about 1.5 miles east of Hwy 75.
It is at the northeast corner of Eldorado Parkway and College Street.
After filing
How to Check Homestead Application Status
After filing online, keep your confirmation and return to the portal or property search later.
CCAD says homestead processing is completed as soon as practicable, but not later than the 90th day.
Check the portal: confirm the filing was submitted, not left incomplete.
Check Property Search: review the exemption section for HS, OV65, DP, DVHS or other codes.
Check the tax estimator: verify which taxing units show exemption savings.
If missing: call CCAD with your Property ID and confirmation proof.
If the tax bill is wrong after approval: contact the Tax Office after CCAD confirms the correction.
CCAD says residence homestead exemptions are periodically reviewed at least every five years. Do not reapply unless CCAD requests it, but respond if an audit letter is mailed.
Special exemption categories
Age 65, Disabled Person, Disabled Veteran and Surviving-Spouse Rules
Age 65 or older
Texas requires school districts to provide an additional $60,000 exemption for qualifying age-65 homeowners.
CCAD says the year you turn 65 can activate the over-65 exemption for that tax year.
Disabled person
The disabled person exemption is based on the Social Security disability definition, not every disability program.
CCAD may require supporting disability documentation.
School tax ceiling
Over-65 and disabled person exemptions can create a school tax ceiling on the residence homestead.
That ceiling can be transferred by percentage when moving to another Texas homestead.
100% disabled veteran
A qualifying 100% disabled veteran homestead can be totally exempt from property tax.
VA documentation is required.
Partial disabled veteran
Texas partial disabled veteran exemptions range from $5,000 to $12,000 based on disability rating.
This exemption can apply to one property chosen by the qualified veteran.
Surviving spouse
Surviving-spouse rules differ for over-65, disabled veteran, armed services member and first responder categories.
Do not select a survivor category without matching documents.
Value cap
When the Texas 10% Homestead Cap Starts in Collin County
The 10% homestead appraisal limitation is not the same as the exemption amount.
CCAD explains that the cap applies to residential homesteads and starts the second year after the residence homestead exemption has been granted.
Year you qualify: the exemption can reduce taxable value if approved.
Following year: the 10% appraisal limitation can begin if the property still qualifies.
New improvements: the value of new improvements can be added outside the cap formula.
Market value still changes: CCAD can still show market value even when appraised value is capped.
Troubleshooting
Online Filing Problems and How to Fix Them
Property not found: remove punctuation, unit numbers, ZIP code and extra words from the address search.
New buyer cannot register: CCAD may need up to 90 days to update ownership records.
PIN not accepted: confirm you are using the current owner’s eFile PIN, not the seller’s notice.
Application asks for ID: upload a Texas driver license or state ID matching the property address unless an exception applies.
Heir property issue: prepare the notarized heirship affidavit and supporting records before submitting.
Manufactured home issue: complete the manufactured-home section and attach TDHCA ownership support.
Portal technical issue: use the helpdesk, but use mail, in-person filing or drop box if a deadline is close.
Tax bill still high: verify CCAD exemption status before calling the Tax Office about bill adjustments.
Exemption vs. protest
What If Your Value Is Too High After Filing Homestead?
A homestead application and a value protest are different.
File the exemption if the home is your principal residence. File a protest if the appraised value, exemption decision or other appealable issue is wrong.
Homestead problem
Use this path if the exemption is missing, pending, denied or not attached to the correct property.
Value problem
Use this path if market value, unequal appraisal, property characteristics or exemption denial must be protested.
2026 real property protest date
CCAD’s 2026 protest notice states that the real property protest deadline was May 15, 2026.
Local tax entities
Why Collin County Homes Can Have Different Homestead Savings
Collin County has many cities, school districts, MUDs, MMDs, ESDs and other local taxing units.
Two homes in the same neighborhood can have different tax bills if they are in different city, school, utility or special-district combinations.
Use CCAD Tax Rates and Exemptions or the Collin County tax estimator to match your actual property’s taxing units.
Decision path
What Should You Do Next?
Open the CCAD Taxpayer Portal and file the online homestead application.
Check CCAD Property Search. If ownership is not updated, call CCAD before using the portal.
File anyway and ask CCAD whether the two-year late-filing provision applies to your tax year.
Use the special exemption section and ask about the school tax ceiling and ceiling transfer if moving.
Prepare the heirship affidavit, death certificate, utility bill and available court-record citation.
Confirm CCAD exemption status first, then ask the Tax Office about corrected billing or refund handling.
Important caution
Independent Information, Tax Caution and Property-Records Notice
This page is independent informational content for Collin County homeowners.
It is not the official website of Collin Central Appraisal District, Collin County, the Collin County Tax Office, the Texas Comptroller or any government agency.
It is not legal advice, tax advice, an official tax bill, an appraisal notice, a protest decision or an exemption determination.
Property-tax rules, forms, online portal behavior, office hours, rates and deadlines can change. Verify current details directly with CCAD or the responsible official office before acting.
Property records should be used only for property-tax, appraisal, ownership-reference and public-record purposes. Do not use property-record information for employment, tenant screening, credit, insurance or any FCRA-regulated purpose.
FAQs
Collin County Homestead Exemption Online Filing FAQs
Can I file the Collin County homestead exemption online?
Yes. CCAD’s Taxpayer Portal allows property owners to file applications online. You usually need your Property ID and eFile PIN from a mailed Appraisal Notice or Exemptions Notice.
Which office handles Collin County homestead applications?
Collin Central Appraisal District handles homestead applications and exemption qualification. The Collin County Tax Office handles tax bills and payments after values and exemptions are certified.
What is the normal Collin County homestead deadline?
For a general residence homestead exemption, CCAD says the usual filing period is January 1 through April 30.
Can I file late if I missed April 30?
CCAD says a late homestead exemption may be filed up to two years from the date taxes became delinquent for that tax year.
Is there a fee to apply for the Collin County homestead exemption?
No. CCAD states there is never a fee to apply for an exemption with the appraisal district.
What documents do I need for online filing?
Most applicants need a Texas driver license or Texas state ID showing the same address as the property. Special cases may need heirship, manufactured-home, disability, veteran, power-of-attorney or ownership documents.
What if I recently bought the property and the portal will not work?
CCAD says recently purchased properties may take up to 90 days for ownership records to update. Do not use the previous owner’s Owner ID or eFile PIN.
Do I have to reapply every year?
CCAD says only a one-time application is required unless the chief appraiser requests reapplication or the property owner changes residence homestead.
When does the 10% homestead cap start?
CCAD explains that the homestead cap applies to residential homesteads and goes into effect the second year after the residence homestead exemption has been granted.
Can I email my homestead application to CCAD?
No. CCAD states that emailed applications are not accepted. Use the Taxpayer Portal, mail, in-person filing or the 24/7 drop box.
Official resources
Official Collin County and Texas Resources
CCAD Taxpayer Portal
Official online portal for applications, property details, electronic communication and protests.
Open Taxpayer PortalCCAD Property Search
Use this before filing to confirm owner, address, value, exemptions and property ID.
Open Property Search2026 CCAD Residence Homestead Application
Official CCAD PDF for general, age 65, disability, 100% disabled veteran, surviving-spouse and manufactured-home sections.
Open CCAD-114 PDFCCAD Homestead FAQs
Official CCAD page explaining eligibility, documents, deadlines, late filing, renewal, over-65, disability and veteran topics.
Open Homestead FAQsCCAD Tax Rates and Exemptions
Official taxing-unit page for exemptions offered, local option amounts, freeze status and tax rates.
Open Tax Rates and ExemptionsCCAD Homestead Cap Explanation
Explains when the 10% residence homestead appraisal limitation starts and how new improvements affect the calculation.
Open Homestead Cap PageCCAD Taxpayer Liaison Officer
Use for eligible public-access or complaint issues within the TLO’s role.
Open TLO PageCollin County Tax Office Portal
Use for tax account lookup, tax bills and payments after CCAD handles exemption and value issues.
Open Tax Office PortalTexas Comptroller Exemption Guidance
Statewide residence homestead, heir property, disabled person and veteran exemption guidance.
Open Comptroller ExemptionsTexas Property Tax Basics 2026
Comptroller publication explaining appraisal, exemptions, protests, tax bills and the 10% homestead limitation.
Open 2026 Property Tax Basics