Travis County property-tax guide • 2026 exemption amounts verified
Travis County Homestead Exemption: Rules, Savings & 2026 Application Guide
The Travis County homestead exemption can reduce several different parts of a homeowner’s property-tax bill, but there is no single exemption amount that applies identically to every Travis County taxing jurisdiction.
For tax year 2026, Travis County itself provides a 20% general residence homestead exemption, with a $5,000 minimum. Qualifying homeowners age 65 or older or disabled receive an additional $145,269 Travis County exemption. Texas school districts separately provide a mandatory $140,000 general homestead exemption plus another $60,000 for qualifying age-65-or-older or disabled homeowners.
Your City, school district, Austin Community College, Central Health, MUD, WCID, ESD or other special district may provide a different exemption—or none at all. That is why two Travis County homes with the same appraised value can have noticeably different taxable values and tax savings.
Start here
Travis County Homestead Exemption Quick Facts
That is an average across properties and taxing jurisdictions—not a guaranteed savings amount for your home—but it shows why confirming the exemption is important.
TCAD determines appraised value and exemption eligibility. The Travis County Tax Office bills and collects property taxes for participating jurisdictions. Applying at the Tax Office does not replace an exemption application with TCAD.
Current TCAD exemption report
How Much Is the Travis County Homestead Exemption in 2026?
TCAD’s exemption listing generated July 19, 2026 shows the following amounts for Travis County itself.
The minimum exemption is $5,000. Homeowners age 65 or older or qualifying as disabled can receive an additional county exemption of $145,269.
| Taxing unit | General homestead | Age 65+ | Disabled | Tax ceiling? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas school district — statewide amount | $140,000 | +$60,000 minimum statewide | +$60,000 minimum statewide | Yes |
| Travis County | 20%, minimum $5,000 | $145,269 additional | $145,269 additional | No county ceiling shown in TCAD’s 2026 listing |
| City of Austin | 20%, minimum $5,000 | $204,000 | $204,000 | No |
| Austin ISD | $140,000 | $60,000 state + $25,000 local | $60,000 state + $15,000 local | Yes |
| Austin Community College District | 1%, minimum $5,000 | $75,000 | $75,000 | Yes |
| Central Health / Travis County Healthcare District | 20%, minimum $5,000 | $197,000 | $197,000 | No |
Your home may instead be in Lake Travis ISD, Eanes ISD, Manor ISD, Pflugerville ISD, Round Rock ISD, Leander ISD, Del Valle ISD, Hays CISD or another school district. Your MUD, WCID, road district, ESD and city boundaries also depend on the parcel.
Why your neighbor’s exemption may differ
Travis County Homestead Savings Depend on Your Exact Taxing Units
“Travis County homestead exemption” is only one layer of the tax bill. A parcel can be subject to several independent taxing units, and each one makes its own local-option exemption decisions within Texas law.
Countywide 20% general exemption plus $145,269 age-65/disability amount for 2026.
All school districts provide the $140,000 state general exemption, but optional local amounts vary.
Austin, Manor, Pflugerville, Bee Cave, Lakeway and other municipalities establish their own exemptions.
Has its own taxable value and exemption schedule.
Applies only where the property lies within ACC’s taxing boundary.
Many special districts have different exemption policies, including some with no general homestead exemption.
Search your property in TCAD, open the property details, identify each taxing jurisdiction associated with the parcel, then compare those entities with TCAD’s current exemption listing. Do not rely on an Austin ZIP code alone.
Current TCAD examples
2026 Homestead Differences Among Travis County School Districts
| School district | General HS | Age 65+ | Disabled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin ISD | $140,000 | $60,000 state + $25,000 local | $60,000 state + $15,000 local |
| Lake Travis ISD | $140,000 state + 20% local, minimum $5,000 | $60,000 state | $60,000 state |
| Eanes ISD | $140,000 | $60,000 state + $20,000 local | $60,000 state + $20,000 local |
| Manor ISD | $140,000 | $60,000 state + $25,000 local | $60,000 state + $15,000 local |
| Pflugerville ISD | $140,000 | $60,000 state + $9,100 local | $60,000 state |
| Leander ISD | $140,000 | $60,000 state + $3,000 local | $60,000 state + $3,000 local |
| Round Rock ISD | $140,000 | $60,000 state | $60,000 state + $3,000 local |
| Del Valle ISD | $140,000 | $60,000 state | $60,000 state |
A Lake Travis ISD homeowner can receive a local 20% school homestead exemption in addition to the statewide amount, while a Del Valle ISD homeowner does not have that same local percentage exemption. A generic “Travis County tax savings” estimate can therefore be wrong by a significant amount.
How taxable value is created
From Travis County Market Value to Your Final Tax Bill
Qualification rules
Who Qualifies for the Travis County Homestead Exemption?
The applicant must have a qualifying ownership interest. Ordinary corporations and business entities do not receive a residence homestead merely because an owner lives there.
The property must be the applicant’s principal residence rather than an ordinary rental, investment property, vacation home or second home.
The application requires an owner to state that another residence homestead is not being claimed elsewhere in or outside Texas.
Different housing forms can qualify when the ownership and principal-residence requirements are met.
A homestead can generally include land used for residential purposes associated with the home, subject to Texas statutory limits.
TCAD generally requires a Texas driver’s license or state-issued personal ID showing the same address as the homestead property.
TCAD explains that a recently purchased home may qualify in the year the owner becomes eligible. The mid-year benefit generally depends on the new owner owning and occupying the property, not claiming another homestead for the year, and the previous owner not already receiving the same exemption for that tax year.
New Travis County homeowner
Bought a Home After January 1? Do Not Automatically Wait Until Next Year
Texas changed the old January-1-only rule for the general residence homestead exemption. TCAD now tells new owners they may submit the application after they own and occupy the home, and the exemption will be applied to the year in which they qualify when the statutory requirements are met.
If the seller already received the same residence homestead exemption for the property for that tax year, the new owner generally does not receive a second duplicate general exemption for the same period.
Prepare before filing
Documents Needed for a Travis County Homestead Application
TCAD states that the address should match the property for which you are claiming the exemption.
The current form asks for ownership percentage, acquisition date, occupancy date, physical address and previous residence information.
TCAD accepts the front of a Texas driver’s license or Texas identification card as age evidence.
TCAD lists a current Social Security Administration disability determination as an example.
Documentation must establish the qualifying 100% service-connected or individual-unemployability status.
TCAD allows a manufactured home to qualify even when the owner does not own the underlying land.
Applications that need extra paperwork
Heir Property, Manufactured Homes & Ownership Not Yet of Record
Inherited home without a conventional recorded deed
Texas provides an heir-property route for property acquired by will, transfer-on-death arrangement or intestacy.
Ownership interest not of record
Form 50-114-A includes a specific affidavit for an age-65 applicant who owns an interest but is not identified on a recorded deed or instrument.
Ownership interest not of record
The same supplemental form includes a separate affidavit for a qualifying disabled owner whose ownership interest is not yet reflected in the recorded instrument.
No written ownership document
Texas provides a notarized manufactured-home affidavit when the seller did not provide an applicable ownership agreement and cannot be located after a good-faith effort.
Heir-property documentation can include
- An affidavit establishing the applicant’s ownership interest.
- Copy of the previous property owner’s death certificate.
- Most recent utility bill for the property.
- Citation to available court records concerning ownership.
- Authorization affidavits from other heir-property owners occupying the home.
Official TCAD workflow
How to Apply for the Travis County Homestead Exemption
TCAD Taxpayer Portal
Online filing is free and allows you to receive updates and track the application’s status.
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1
Search the property first
Open TCAD Property Search and find the home by owner name, property address or account number. Confirm that you selected the correct parcel.
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2
Check whether homestead already appears
Review the property’s exemption information before creating a duplicate application.
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3
Update your Texas driver’s license or ID
TCAD requires the identification address to match the homestead property unless a statutory exception applies.
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4
Open TCAD’s official exemption portal
Use TCAD’s link to the JustAppraised taxpayer portal rather than paying a private filing company.
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5
Select the exemption categories that apply
Do not stop at the general homestead if you also qualify for age 65, disability, veteran or a qualifying surviving-spouse exemption.
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6
Enter acquisition and occupancy dates carefully
The 2026 Form 50-114 asks both when you acquired the property and when you began occupying it as your principal residence.
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7
Enter previous residence information when applicable
This is especially important when transferring an exemption or an age/disability tax ceiling from another Texas residence.
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8
Upload required evidence
Make sure identification and supporting documents are readable and current.
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9
Submit and save confirmation
Keep the electronic confirmation and any application reference information.
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10
Track processing
TCAD states that action on an application can occur within 90 days. Online applicants can receive status updates through the portal.
Filing is free. TCAD’s exemption helpline is available to help taxpayers complete or verify applications.
Other filing options
Apply by Mail, Email, Drop Box or In Person
Portal filing allows status checking and electronic updates.
Austin, TX 78714-9012
Austin, TX 78752
TCAD’s FAQ states that paper applications can also be submitted by email.
A mailed or dropped-off application is harder for the homeowner to track unless a copy and submission evidence are retained.
Important filing date
Travis County Homestead Exemption Deadline
Most residence homestead applications should be filed no later than this date.
TCAD says a late general homestead application may be filed no later than two years after the taxes become delinquent.
Texas law provides a longer filing window for specified disabled-veteran exemption categories.
Texas residence-homestead late-filing rules are more forgiving than many homeowners realize.
Retroactive relief
How Late Travis County Homestead Filing Works
- Search the TCAD property record and confirm which tax year is missing the exemption.
- File the residence-homestead application and identify the applicable tax year or years.
- Include the evidence showing you met the ownership and principal-residence requirements for the requested year.
- Wait for TCAD to determine whether the claim remains inside the statutory late-filing window.
- If approved after taxes have already been billed, the taxing authorities can issue corrected tax calculations.
- If an overpayment results after correction, Texas refund procedures may apply.
The statutory general residence-homestead period is tied to the date the property’s taxes become delinquent. Use the actual tax year and delinquency date when determining whether an old claim is still open.
After submitting
How Long Does TCAD Take to Process Homestead Exemptions?
TCAD says action on an exemption application occurs within 90 days from receipt.
Check the portal
TCAD says taxpayers who apply through the homestead portal receive an email notification after processing and can track the status online.
Check TCAD Property Search
TCAD’s FAQ suggests reviewing the website to verify that homestead has been added, commonly several weeks after submission.
Keep monitoring until the exemption appears on your property record or TCAD confirms the decision.
Verify your record
How to Check Whether a Travis County Home Has Homestead
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1
Open TCAD Property Search
TCAD allows searches using owner name, property address and account number.
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2
Use fewer address words if no result appears
TCAD recommends removing street suffixes or searching only the first word of the street name when a search is too narrow.
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3
Open the matching account
Confirm the property address before relying on the values.
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4
Review exemptions and taxable values
Look for the homestead designation and compare taxable values across the listed taxing entities.
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5
Download the tax-transparency worksheet when available
TCAD’s property profile can provide a worksheet showing taxing entities, exemptions, recent tax information and key deadlines.
Often misunderstood
Travis County’s 10% Homestead Appraisal Cap
Homestead can provide a second long-term benefit beyond exemption dollars: a limitation on how quickly the property’s net appraised value can increase.
Can increase by more than 10%
TCAD still appraises the property’s market value as of January 1. The homestead cap does not prevent TCAD from showing a market-value increase greater than 10%.
May be limited
After the statutory homestead limitation begins, net appraised value generally cannot rise more than the allowed amount plus qualifying new improvements.
TCAD’s reappraisal plan explains that the homestead limitation begins in the second full year the property owner qualifies for the residence homestead exemption.
TCAD states that when a limited homestead property sells, the existing cap expires as of January 1 following the sale and the property is appraised at market value. This is one reason a new owner’s tax base can rise sharply even when the seller had a low taxable value.
Before buying a Travis County home
Do Not Estimate Your Tax Bill From the Seller’s Bill
TCAD specifically created a property-tax transparency worksheet because new homeowners can face unexpected tax increases after purchase.
Their net appraised value can be far below market value.
Their tax bill may include exemptions and tax ceilings you do not qualify for.
A total or partial veteran exemption can substantially reduce a prior bill.
Even though the entities are unchanged, your exemption and capped values can be very different.
Before relying on a listing’s “annual taxes,” search the property in TCAD and compare the market value, net appraised value, current exemptions and the tax amount without exemptions when TCAD’s worksheet provides it.
Additional protection
Travis County Over-65 Homestead Exemption
Additional county exemption shown in TCAD’s July 2026 exemption report.
Statewide mandatory additional amount; some school districts provide extra local amounts.
Qualifying age-65 homeowners receive a school-district tax ceiling.
TCAD states that the exemption is available in the year a homeowner becomes 65. You do not need to wait until the following January merely because your birthday occurs after January 1.
What a school tax ceiling actually means
The ceiling limits qualifying school taxes to the amount established when the age-65 exemption becomes effective. Normal repairs generally do not raise the ceiling, but adding a garage, room, pool or other qualifying new improvement can increase the ceiling to account for the improvement.
TCAD’s 2026 exemption report shows no Travis County freeze ceiling for the county’s age-65 or disability exemption. School districts, however, have mandatory ceilings, and certain other entities such as Austin Community College show adopted ceilings.
Qualifying disability
Travis County Disabled-Person Homestead Exemption
A disability for this exemption is not simply any medical condition or private disability insurance determination.
TCAD describes this as a medically determinable physical or mental impairment preventing substantial gainful activity and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
TCAD currently identifies a Social Security Administration disability determination as an example of supporting documentation.
Moving within Texas
Transfer an Age-65 or Disability Tax Ceiling to a New Home
Qualifying homeowners do not simply copy the old tax-ceiling dollar amount to a new property. Texas transfers a percentage relationship between the old ceiling and the old home’s normal tax.
A school tax ceiling can move to another qualified Texas homestead. A county, city or junior-college ceiling can generally transfer only when the applicable taxing unit has adopted such a ceiling and the new home remains within that taxing unit.
Continuing a deceased spouse’s benefit
Age-65 or Disabled Surviving-Spouse Homestead Rules
TCAD states that when a homeowner receiving an age-65 or disabled exemption dies, a surviving spouse can potentially continue the exemption and associated ceiling.
Age is measured under the statutory surviving-spouse provisions.
Ownership must remain within the qualifying requirements.
It must remain the survivor’s residence homestead.
TCAD requests evidence of the survivor’s age and proof of the deceased spouse’s death.
Military exemptions
Disabled Veteran Property-Tax Exemptions in Travis County
Texas has both partial disabled-veteran exemptions and a separate total residence-homestead exemption for qualifying 100% disabled or individually unemployable veterans.
| Service-connected disability rating | Partial exemption |
|---|---|
| 10%–29% | $5,000 |
| 30%–49% | $7,500 |
| 50%–69% | $10,000 |
| 70%–100% | $12,000 |
A veteran receiving 100% disability compensation for a service-connected disability and rated 100% disabled or individually unemployable by the Department of Veterans Affairs can qualify for exemption of the entire appraised value of the qualifying residence homestead.
Texas rules for the partial disabled-veteran exemption differ from the total residence-homestead exemption. Ask TCAD which application category matches the veteran’s VA status.
New for 2026
Residence Homestead Completely Destroyed by Fire
TCAD says the improvement must have been habitable immediately before the fire and remain uninhabitable for at least 30 days afterward.
TCAD states that the application and supporting documentation for this exemption must be filed no later than the 180th day after the fire.
Current compliance issue
Why TCAD May Ask You to Verify an Old Homestead Exemption
Texas now requires appraisal districts to review every residence homestead exemption at least once every five years.
TCAD began implementing its review program in 2024 and its reappraisal plan anticipated full implementation by 2026.
What TCAD can examine during homestead verification
- Driver’s-license or Texas-ID information.
- Death records.
- Utility information.
- Vehicle-registration information.
- Voter-registration information.
- Potential duplicate homestead exemptions.
- Rental indicators.
- Whether the owner still occupies the residence.
TCAD states that if it cannot confirm continued qualification and the homeowner fails to provide the requested verification, the exemption can be removed and the property’s tax liability can increase.
What TCAD currently requires for verification
A homeowner asked to verify benefits should submit the requested verification or updated exemption application along with a valid Texas driver’s license or Texas ID showing the property address.
TCAD Homestead VerificationRenewal rules
Do You Have to Reapply for Travis County Homestead Every Year?
TCAD says homeowners do not need to reapply every year unless the Chief Appraiser requests a new application in writing, the homeowner moves, or the homeowner’s qualifications change.
Beyond exemptions
Tax Deferrals & Installment Plans for Travis County Homesteads
Exemptions reduce taxable value. A deferral or payment plan deals with when the remaining tax is paid. These are not the same benefit.
Property-tax deferral
Qualifying homeowners can postpone paying homestead property taxes while they continue to own and occupy the residence.
Current interest: 5% annuallyFour-payment installment plan
Travis County offers four-payment treatment for qualifying age-65, disabled and disabled-veteran homesteads when enrollment requirements are met.
12-month installment agreement
A residence homestead may qualify for a delinquent-tax installment agreement, subject to the Tax Office’s eligibility rules.
Deferred taxes remain secured by the property, accrue statutory interest and become payable when the deferral ends. TCAD also warns homeowners with mortgages to review lender requirements before relying on a deferral.
Estimate the exemption effect
Travis County Homestead Exemption Savings Calculator
Enter the property’s net appraised value and the current tax rates shown for your property. The tool compares the statewide school exemption and Travis County’s 20% exemption.
It does not include City of Austin or another city, Central Health, ACC, MUD, ESD, WCID, road-district exemptions, tax ceilings, veteran exemptions, new improvements or every local school option.
Current as of August 23, 2026
Do Not Treat Travis County’s 2026 Tax Rate as Final Yet
Exemption percentages for 2026 have already been published, but Travis County was still in its FY 2027 / tax-year-2026 rate-adoption process when this guide was reviewed.
Travis County’s August 5, 2026 notice published the no-new-revenue and voter-approval rates. Use the subsequently adopted tax rate for an actual 2026 liability calculation.
Use your actual parcel
Find Your Proposed Taxes at TravisTaxes.com
Taxing jurisdictions determine their budgets and tax rates after appraisal values are certified. TCAD’s tax-transparency system lets homeowners review how those proposed or adopted rates affect an individual property.
- Search your property.
- Review every taxing unit attached to the account.
- Compare each unit’s taxable value.
- Review proposed or adopted tax rates.
- Check meeting and public-hearing information when available.
- Do not multiply one taxable value by the sum of all rates unless the taxable values are actually identical.
Homestead help
Travis Central Appraisal District Contact Information
Travis Central Appraisal District
850 East Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78752
General customer service:
512-834-9317
Homestead Exemption Helpline:
512-873-1560
Helpline hours:
Monday–Friday
9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Office business hours:
Mon / Wed / Fri: 7:45 AM–4:45 PM
Tue / Thu: 9:00 AM–4:45 PM
Mail:
P.O. Box 149012
Austin, TX 78714-9012
Contact the correct agency
TCAD vs. Travis County Tax Office vs. County Clerk
Appraisal & exemptions
- Homestead applications
- Exemption status
- Appraised value
- 10% homestead cap
- Age-65 / disability benefits
- Tax-ceiling transfer
- Homestead verification
- Value protests
Billing & collections
- Property-tax bills
- Tax payments
- Receipts
- Installment plans
- Delinquent taxes
- Payment schedules
- Tax deferral administration
Official ownership records
- Recorded deeds
- Real-property records
- Ownership instruments
- Recorded transfer documents
TCAD itself warns that its database exists for property-tax administration and should not be treated as the official resolution of an ownership dispute. Travis County Clerk maintains the county’s official real-property records.
Useful details most summaries skip
Travis County Homestead Tips That Can Prevent Lost Savings
TCAD’s application is free and its staff provide filing help.
A mismatched address is a common preventable documentation issue.
Current Texas law can allow a prorated first-year benefit.
The seller’s cap, age exemption or veteran benefits may disappear after sale.
County, school, city, ACC and MUD taxable values can differ.
The county age-65/disabled exemption is $145,269—not the 2025 amount of $143,220.
Older pages still showing $100,000 are outdated for current calculations.
This is in addition to applicable local school exemptions.
Do not wait until the next January merely because your birthday was after Jan. 1.
TCAD can take up to 90 days to act on an application.
A general residence-homestead late claim may remain possible.
TCAD can remove an exemption when required verification is not provided.
You can still potentially qualify if you own the home itself.
Review Texas heir-property affidavits before assuming you cannot apply.
Compare a four-payment plan with a tax deferral before choosing.
2026 added a special prorated exemption with a 180-day filing deadline.
Avoid these errors
Common Travis County Homestead Exemption Mistakes
TCAD determines exemption eligibility.
2026 county and statewide amounts have changed.
Local-option exemptions differ by jurisdiction.
Current law may allow a prorated exemption.
It generally limits qualifying net appraised value instead.
Tax rates and exemptions also affect the bill.
The existing cap generally expires after sale.
A MUD or ESD can materially change the total tax bill.
Exemptions and ceilings reduce liability but do not necessarily eliminate every jurisdiction.
Deferred taxes remain due and accrue interest.
Failure to respond can lead to exemption removal.
Verify the exemption appears in the final property record.
Detailed answers
Travis County Homestead Exemption FAQs
How much is the Travis County homestead exemption in 2026?
Travis County’s 2026 exemption listing shows a 20% general residence homestead exemption with a minimum exemption of $5,000. The county also provides an additional $145,269 exemption to qualifying homeowners age 65 or older or disabled.
What is the Texas school homestead exemption in Travis County for 2026?
Every Texas school district must provide a $140,000 general residence homestead exemption. Qualifying homeowners age 65 or older or disabled receive an additional mandatory $60,000 school exemption. Some Travis County school districts provide additional local benefits.
Where do I apply for the Travis County homestead exemption?
Apply with the Travis Central Appraisal District. TCAD accepts applications through its online taxpayer portal, by mail and at its office. Filing is free.
Is Travis CAD the same as the Travis County Tax Office?
No. TCAD appraises property and determines exemption eligibility. The Travis County Tax Office handles tax bills, payments, collections and payment arrangements.
What is the deadline to file homestead exemption in Travis County?
The normal Texas residence-homestead filing deadline is April 30. Certain late residence-homestead applications can still be accepted under Texas law.
Can I file a Travis County homestead exemption late?
Yes. TCAD states that a late residence-homestead application can be filed no later than two years after the date the taxes become delinquent. Certain disabled-veteran claims can have a longer statutory filing window.
Can I get homestead exemption if I bought my Travis County home after January 1?
Potentially yes. Current Texas law can allow a prorated general residence homestead exemption once the new owner owns and occupies the home as a principal residence, provided the statutory requirements are satisfied and the previous owner did not already receive the same exemption for that tax year.
What ID does TCAD require for a general homestead exemption?
TCAD generally requires a Texas driver’s license or state-issued personal identification certificate showing the same address as the property for which the exemption is requested, subject to statutory exceptions.
How long does TCAD take to process a homestead application?
TCAD states that action on an exemption application will occur within 90 days after the application is received.
How do I check my Travis County homestead application status?
Online applicants can track the form through TCAD’s taxpayer portal. TCAD also recommends checking its Property Search system to verify that the exemption has been added to the property record.
Do I have to reapply for Travis County homestead exemption every year?
Normally no. TCAD says you do not have to reapply unless the Chief Appraiser requests a new application in writing, you move to a new residence or your exemption qualifications change.
Why did TCAD send me a homestead verification letter?
Texas law requires appraisal districts to review residence homestead exemptions at least once every five years. TCAD sends verification requests when it cannot confirm continued eligibility from the information available to the district.
What happens if I ignore a TCAD homestead verification request?
TCAD states that a homeowner who does not provide required verification can have the exemptions removed from the property, which can significantly increase tax liability.
Does the Travis County homestead exemption cap my property value increase at 10%?
The homestead limitation generally applies to qualifying net appraised value rather than TCAD’s market value. Market value can increase by more than 10%.
When does the 10% Travis County homestead cap start?
TCAD’s reappraisal plan states that the limitation begins in the second full year the property owner qualifies for the residence homestead exemption.
Does the previous owner’s homestead cap transfer when I buy a home?
No. TCAD states that when a homestead property sells, the existing value limitation expires as of January 1 following the sale and the property is appraised at current market value.
What is the Travis County over-65 homestead exemption for 2026?
Travis County’s current 2026 exemption listing provides an additional $145,269 county exemption for a qualifying age-65-or-older homestead. School districts separately provide at least another $60,000 exemption in addition to the $140,000 general school exemption.
Can I apply for the over-65 exemption during the year I turn 65?
Yes. TCAD says the age-65 exemption is available during the year the homeowner becomes 65.
Does Travis County freeze property taxes when I turn 65?
Texas school taxes receive a mandatory tax ceiling. TCAD’s 2026 exemption listing does not show a tax ceiling for Travis County’s own age-65 exemption. Other local jurisdictions can have different ceiling policies.
Can an age-65 school tax ceiling transfer to another Texas home?
Yes. TCAD explains that the percentage benefit associated with the school tax ceiling can transfer to a new qualifying Texas residence homestead.
What is the Travis County disabled-person homestead exemption?
Travis County’s 2026 listing shows an additional $145,269 county exemption for a qualifying disabled homeowner. School districts provide a mandatory additional $60,000 disability exemption and a school tax ceiling.
What disability qualifies for the Texas homestead exemption?
The applicant generally must meet the Social Security disability standard used for federal disability insurance benefits. TCAD currently lists a Social Security disability determination as an example of supporting evidence.
Can a manufactured home qualify if I do not own the land?
Yes. TCAD says a manufactured-home owner can qualify even without owning the land. A copy of the title or verified purchase contract should generally accompany the application.
Can inherited property qualify for the Travis County homestead exemption?
Yes. Texas provides special heir-property procedures when an owner inherited the home but is not identified as the residence-homestead owner on a conventional recorded deed.
What is the 100% disabled veteran exemption in Travis County?
A qualifying veteran receiving 100% disability compensation for a service-connected disability and rated 100% disabled or individually unemployable by the VA can receive an exemption from taxation of the total appraised value of the qualifying residence homestead.
Can a surviving spouse keep an over-65 or disability exemption?
A qualifying surviving spouse who meets the statutory age, ownership and occupancy requirements can potentially continue the deceased spouse’s exemption and applicable tax ceiling.
Does Travis County have a new fire-related homestead exemption in 2026?
Texas added a prorated exemption effective January 1, 2026 for a qualifying residence-homestead improvement completely destroyed by fire. TCAD states that applications must generally be filed within 180 days after the fire.
Can age-65 or disabled Travis County homeowners defer property taxes?
Yes. Qualifying homeowners can postpone collection while the deferral remains valid, but the taxes are not forgiven and currently accrue 5% annual interest.
What is Travis County’s final 2026 property-tax rate?
As of August 23, 2026, the county rate-adoption process was still underway. The county’s August 5 notice listed a $0.378179 no-new-revenue rate and a $0.386210 voter-approval rate per $100 of taxable value. Those figures should not automatically be treated as the final adopted rate.
Primary government research
Official Sources for the Travis County Homestead Exemption
This page prioritizes current Travis Central Appraisal District, Travis County and Texas Comptroller materials rather than copying exemption values from older real-estate blogs.
Travis County’s age-65/disabled exemption changed from $143,220 for tax year 2025 to $145,269 for tax year 2026. The current amount above comes from TCAD’s 2026 exemption listing generated July 19, 2026.
School-district exemption amounts were checked against current Texas Comptroller materials reflecting the voter-approved increase to $140,000 for the general school homestead exemption and $60,000 for the additional age-65/disabled school exemption.
Tax rates are time-sensitive. Travis County’s 2026 rate-adoption process was still underway as of this article’s August 23, 2026 review, so no proposed or statutory reference rate should be represented as the final adopted county rate until the rate process is completed.
Independent Travis County Property-Tax Guide: This website is an independent educational resource. It is not operated by, affiliated with or endorsed by the Travis Central Appraisal District, Travis County, Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector, Travis County Clerk, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, City of Austin, Austin ISD, Austin Community College, Central Health or any other government agency or taxing jurisdiction.
This page explains publicly available exemption rules and filing procedures. It does not determine legal eligibility, appraised value, taxable value or final tax liability and is not legal or tax advice. Exemption amounts, local-option policies, tax rates, deadlines and application procedures can change. Verify consequential decisions with TCAD or the responsible taxing authority before acting.