113,000 Harris County Homeowners May Be Missing Their Homestead Exemption. Are You One of Them?

by Ruby Miranda

Property tax bills are hitting mailboxes across Texas this month, and many homeowners are paying more than they need to. According to the Harris Central Appraisal District, about 113,000 Harris County homeowners may be eligible for a homestead exemption but have not claimed it.

What Is the Homestead Exemption?

If you own your home and it is your primary residence, Texas lets you exempt part of its value from school district property taxes. The general residence homestead exemption now removes at least $140,000 of your home’s value from school taxes. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who have a qualifying disability, get an additional $60,000 exemption, and their school tax bill is frozen.

Who Qualifies

You own the home (including through an heirship situation, with extra documents)
It is your primary residence
You have a Texas driver’s license or state ID with the home’s address

How to Apply

Apply with your county appraisal district. In Harris County that is HCAD; in Galveston, Brazoria and Chambers counties apply with that county’s appraisal district. Many districts accept online applications. The Texas Comptroller also offers a Spanish-language application. If you bought your home this year, do not wait. File as soon as you can.

Bought a Home With The Queen Team?

Call or text us anytime and we will help you find the right form for your county. We also send our past clients a free monthly home value report so you always know what your home is worth.

Source: KPRC Click2Houston and Texas Tribune reporting, October 20, 2026. This is general information, not tax advice. Contact your appraisal district or a tax professional for your situation.

Ready to Talk About Your Move?

Ruby Miranda and The Queen Team at Keller Williams Summit help buyers and sellers across Harris, Galveston, Brazoria and Chambers counties, including Deer Park, Pasadena, La Porte, Pearland, Baytown, League City and Clear Lake. Call or text 832-830-2055, schedule an appointment, search homes or get your free home value. Se habla español.

The Queen Team | Keller Williams Summit, 106 E San Augustine St, Suite 200, Deer Park, TX 77536. Mortgage information is provided for education only; for loan options and current rates, contact our preferred lender Cliff Saunders, New American Funding (NMLS #230688; NAF NMLS #6606). Not a commitment to lend; all loans subject to credit approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.