Harris County · Texas

Harris County homestead exemption

In Harris County, you apply for the homestead exemption with the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD); the deadline is April 30.

File or apply online Download the form Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD)

Office: Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD)
Deadline: April 30
State exemption: $140,000 off assessed value
Renewal: Renews automaticallyStatewide rule

HCAD says to file between January 1 and April 30; early applications are not accepted. If you miss April 30, a general homestead application can still be filed up to two years after the date taxes became delinquent for that year (usually February 1 of the following year).

HCAD takes homestead applications electronically through its HCAD Mobile App, or you can submit Form 11.13 online. Applying for the general homestead also starts the 10% cap on appraised value increases from the second year.

Last verified November 4, 2026 · Sources

Local homestead amounts in Harris County

Harris County local exemptions
Exemption	Taxing unit	Amount	Source
Harris County homestead exemption HCAD's taxing-unit table lists a 20% homestead exemption and a $336,000 over-65 or disabled exemption for Harris County.	Harris County	20% of value	Source
Harris County over-65 or disabled exemption Harris County gives $336,000 off taxable value to homeowners 65 or older or disabled, per HCAD's taxing-unit table. The Flood Control District and Hospital District list the same amount.	Harris County	$336,000 off assessed value	Source
City of Houston homestead exemption HCAD lists a 20% homestead exemption for the City of Houston.	City of Houston	20% of value	Source
City of Houston over-65 or disabled exemption HCAD lists a $260,000 over-65 or disabled exemption for the City of Houston.	City of Houston	$260,000 off assessed value	Source
Houston ISD local homestead exemption HCAD lists a 20% local homestead exemption for Houston ISD on top of the $140,000 state school exemption.	Houston ISD	20% of value	Source
Houston ISD over-65 or disabled exemption HCAD lists a $65,000 over-65 or disabled exemption for Houston ISD.	Houston ISD	$65,000 off assessed value	Source

Estimated yearly savings

On Houston ISD taxes alone

About $1,179 a year

Exemption: State school homestead exemption: $140,000 off taxable value · source
Tax rate: Houston ISD 2026 rate: $0.8421 per $100 of value · source

$140,000 ÷ 100 × 0.8421 = $1,179

This assumes your home's value is at least $140,000. It covers one taxing unit only; county, city and other local exemptions add to it. Your bill shows the real figure.

How to check if you already have it

Look up your account on HCAD's property search and check the exemptions listed for each taxing unit.

Search your property record

Texas rules that apply here

You have an ownership interest in the home.
You live in it as your principal residence.
You do not claim a homestead exemption on any other home, in or outside Texas.
Your driver's license or state ID address must match the home's address (some waivers apply).

Full Texas homestead guide: amounts, senior and veteran exemptions, late filing and portability.

Sources

HCAD Homestead online filing · Harris Central Appraisal District
Property Tax Exemptions for Homeowners · Harris Central Appraisal District
Jurisdictions, exemptions and tax rates · Harris Central Appraisal District
Form 11.13 online · Harris Central Appraisal District

Last verified November 4, 2026

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