Homestead Exemption Basics For Travis County

Thinking about your property taxes this year and wondering if a homestead exemption could help? If you own and live in a home in Tarrytown, the homestead exemption is one of the simplest ways to lower your Travis County tax bill. It is straightforward once you know the rules and timeline. In this guide, you’ll learn who qualifies, how to file with the appraisal district, and what to expect in savings. Let’s dive in.

Homestead exemption explained

A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your principal residence for property tax purposes. It does not change your market value. It simply lowers the portion of your value that local taxing units use to calculate the tax bill.

In Texas, the exemption applies to a home that is your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year. You generally can claim only one homestead exemption at a time. Texas law also offers separate legal homestead protections that shield a primary residence from many creditor claims, which is different from the tax exemption.

Who qualifies in Travis County

Basic eligibility

• You own the property and use it as your principal residence.
• You lived in the home on January 1 of the year you want the exemption to apply.
• You are not claiming a homestead exemption on another property.

Most Tarrytown addresses are inside the City of Austin and served by Austin ISD, but verify your specific address. Local taxing units apply exemptions based on where your home sits.

Common reasons you may not qualify

• The property is a second home, vacation home, or investment property.
• You moved into the home after January 1. In many cases, your first eligible year is the next tax year.
• Co-owners do not meet residency or ownership requirements for the homestead.

If any of these apply, you can still plan ahead so you are ready to file for the next eligible year.

Exemption types for Tarrytown owners

• General residence homestead. The baseline exemption for owner-occupied homes that reduces taxable value. Each taxing unit may set optional amounts or percentages.
• Over-65 and disabled homeowner exemptions. These provide additional reductions. They often create a school tax “ceiling” that freezes the school district tax amount for that owner, subject to the program’s rules.
• Disabled veteran and surviving spouse exemptions. Benefits vary and can be substantial, based on disability rating and qualifications.
• Local optional exemptions. The county, city, and certain special districts may adopt extra homestead exemptions. Availability and amounts vary by taxing unit.

To confirm the exemptions that apply to your Tarrytown address, check the Travis Central Appraisal District, Travis County Tax Office, City of Austin, and your school district.

How to file with TCAD

1. Confirm eligibility. Ensure the home was your principal residence on January 1 and that you are not claiming another homestead.

2. Get the form. Obtain the homestead exemption application from the Travis Central Appraisal District.

3. Gather documents. You will usually need your recorded deed or title, and a Texas driver’s license or state ID. For special exemptions, gather any required proof such as age, disability, or veteran status.

4. Submit your application. File with the appraisal district by the published deadline. Keep copies of everything.

5. Watch for a decision. TCAD will approve or deny the exemption and will reflect it on your property record if granted.

Deadlines and timing

The key date is January 1. If the home was your principal residence on that date and you file properly, the exemption applies for that tax year. Appraisal districts publish filing windows, standard deadlines, and any late filing options each year. If you moved in after January 1, you likely file for the next tax year.

Documents you may need

• Completed homestead exemption application
• Proof of ownership, such as a recorded deed
• Texas driver’s license or state ID that matches your residence address
• The last four digits of your Social Security number or an alternate ID if requested
• Supporting documents for special exemptions, such as proof of age, disability certification, or veteran disability rating

If your ID address is not yet updated, be prepared to provide extra documentation based on local guidance.

How the exemption changes your tax bill

Property taxes are based on your taxable value, not your appraised value. Here is the general method to estimate your savings.

1. Appraised value set by the appraisal district
2. Minus your exemptions
3. Equals taxable value
4. Multiply taxable value by your combined tax rate

Hypothetical example for a Tarrytown home

• Appraised value: $1,200,000
• General homestead exemption: $25,000 (illustrative only)
• Taxable value: $1,175,000
• Combined tax rate: 2.2 percent (illustrative only)
• Estimated taxes with exemption: $25,850
• Estimated taxes without exemption: $26,400
• Estimated savings: $550 per year in this example

Actual savings depend on the exemption amounts adopted by your taxing units and your real combined tax rate. Because many Tarrytown homes are high in value, even modest exemptions can create meaningful dollar savings.

Planning for cash flow and equity

Homestead exemptions lower your annual tax bill, which supports household budgeting and can free up cash for maintenance or improvements. Lenders also consider property taxes when they review your monthly housing costs.

Exemptions do not change market or appraised value. They only reduce taxable value. Your equity is not reduced by claiming an exemption.

At resale, buyers care most about location, condition, and market factors. Still, a lower annual tax burden can help overall affordability for future owners.

Special situations to know

Turned 65 or qualify for disability

If you are 65 or older or certified disabled, apply for the related exemption as soon as you qualify. In addition to larger exemptions, the school tax portion often gets a ceiling that stabilizes that part of your bill year to year, subject to program rules.

Bought in Tarrytown after January 1

If you purchased and moved in after January 1, you generally file for the next tax year. Plan for that gap by estimating taxes without the homestead exemption for the current year. Then set a reminder to file promptly for the following year.

Changed title or protesting value

If you transfer ownership to a trust or change names on title, verify that your existing exemption remains in place and update records if needed. If you disagree with your appraised value, file a protest separately with the Appraisal Review Board. Protests address value, while exemptions reduce taxable value.

Quick Tarrytown checklist

• Confirm whether your property is inside the City of Austin and which school district serves your address.
• Gather your deed, state ID, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
• Get the current homestead application from the Travis Central Appraisal District and note the filing deadline.
• If you are 65+, disabled, or a disabled veteran, review special exemption requirements early.
• Use the simple formula: appraised value minus exemptions equals taxable value. Multiply by your combined tax rate to estimate your bill.
• If you plan to protest your appraised value, do so separately from your homestead filing.

Ready to put these steps into action or planning a move within central Austin? The local team at 512Vibe Realty Group can help you understand timelines, coordinate next steps, and align your tax planning with your real estate goals.

FAQs

What is a homestead exemption in Travis County?

• It is a property tax reduction for your principal residence. It lowers taxable value, not market value, and applies if the home was your principal residence on January 1.

Who can claim the over-65 or disabled exemption in Austin?

• Homeowners who are 65 or older or who meet disability criteria can apply for these additional exemptions. They often create a school tax ceiling. Check the appraisal district for details.

How do I file my homestead exemption with TCAD?

• Complete the homestead application, gather proof of ownership and ID, and submit to the Travis Central Appraisal District by the published deadline.

When will my tax savings show on my bill?

• If you qualified on January 1 and file correctly, the exemption should be reflected in the current tax year’s bill. Purchases after January 1 typically take effect the next year.

Can I claim more than one homestead exemption?

• No. You can generally claim only one homestead exemption for your principal residence.

What if I moved to Tarrytown after January 1?

• You will typically wait until the next tax year to claim the exemption. Plan for the current year’s taxes without the exemption, then apply promptly for the following year.

Do I need to reapply every year?

• Most homestead exemptions remain in place once granted. Reapply if the appraisal district asks, your ownership changes, or you become eligible for a new category like over-65.