If you own and live in your home in Dallas County, a residence homestead exemption is one of the simplest ways to lower your property tax bill. It isn’t automatic: you have to apply with the Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD). Here’s what changed recently, who qualifies, and how to file.
What a homestead exemption does
A homestead exemption removes part of your home’s value from taxation. According to the Texas Comptroller:
- School districts must provide a $140,000 exemption on a residence homestead (Tax Code §11.13(b)). Texas voters approved raising it from $100,000 in November 2025.
- Homeowners 65 or older or with a qualifying disability receive an additional $60,000 school district exemption (§11.13(c)).
- Any taxing unit, such as a city or county, may also offer a local percentage exemption of up to 20% of the home’s value (§11.13(n)).
Once your home qualifies, the appraised value used for taxes generally can’t rise more than 10% a year, plus the value of new improvements (Tax Code §23.23), starting the year after you qualify.
Over 65? DCAD notes that the age 65 or older exemption includes a school tax “ceiling” that limits school taxes to the amount you paid in the year you qualified, unless you add improvements.
Who qualifies
- You own the home and it is your principal residence.
- You don’t claim a homestead exemption on any other property.
- The address on your Texas driver’s license or ID card matches the home’s address, according to DCAD.
Just bought your home? Since 2022, Texas law lets an owner who acquires a home after January 1 receive the exemption for the applicable portion of that year, if the previous owner didn’t already receive it, according to the Texas Comptroller. DCAD’s website still describes owning and living in the home on January 1, so confirm the details for your situation with DCAD.
How to apply
- Find your property on the DCAD website.
- File online if you qualify. DCAD says single owners and married couples filing together may be eligible to apply online from the property’s account page.
- Or file by mail using the Residence Homestead Exemption Application (Comptroller Form 50-114), available from DCAD and the Comptroller.
- Include a copy of your driver’s license or ID showing the property address.
Each owner living in the home, other than married couples, completes a separate application, according to DCAD. Processing can take up to 90 days.
Deadlines
The general deadline is April 30 of the tax year. DCAD accepts late applications for up to two years after the delinquency date, so if you missed a year you may still be able to claim it. Check DCAD’s current guidance before you file.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the title company or lender filed it for you. Usually, you file it yourself.
- Forgetting to update your driver’s license address after you move.
- Not applying for the over-65 or disability exemption when you become eligible.
Next steps
Buying in Dallas County? Property taxes are part of your monthly payment, so learn more in our house hunting guide and closing guide. Questions about your home? Contact Clever Realtors. For exemption questions, call DCAD Customer Service at 214-631-0910.
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