Beginning Sept. 1, 2011, a new state law requires HOMEOWNERS applying for a Homestead Exemption to use a new application form when they file with the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD). There are five kinds of Homestead Exemptions: (1) General Residential Exemption, (2) Over-65 Exemption, (3) Disability Exemption, (4) 100% Disabled Veterans Exemption, and (5) Over-55 Surviving Spouse.

PERSONS APPLYING FOR A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 MUST SUBMIT THE THE FOLLOWING DIRECTLY TO THE HARRIS COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT:

1. APPLICATION FOR RESIDENTIAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION – Harris County Appraisal District Form 11.13 (09/11)
2. Copy of DRIVER LICENSE or IDENTIFICATION CARD (ID) from the Texas Department of Public Safety. The address MUST MATCH the homestead address.
3. Copy of VEHICLE REGISTRATION RECEIPT. The address MUST MATCH the homestead address. If you do not have that receipt or it does not match the homestead address, a duplicate receipt may be obtained by completing a Harris County Tax Office Request for Texas Motor Vehicle Information form (a copy may be obtained at any of the 15 Harris County Tax Office locations or downloaded by clicking here). If you do not own a vehicle, you must complete the Non-Ownership of Motor Vehicle Affidavit (found on page 4 of the Application for Residential Homestead Exemption), sign it before a Notary Public, and attach a copy of a utility bill showing the homestead address.

The Homestead Exemption will NOT be allowed unless all the required documents show the same homestead address. ALL THREE DOCUMENTS MUST HAVE THE SAME ADDRESS.

For more details, please refer to the Changes in Texas Property Tax Laws Affecting Residential Homestead Exemptions prepared by the Harris County Appraisal District.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What if my Vehicle Registration address doesn’t match the address of my Homestead Exemption?
2. What are the types of Homestead Exemptions?
3. If I pay my property taxes to the Harris County Tax Office, why do I have to file my Homestead Exemption with the Harris County Appraisal District?
4. I already have a Homestead Exemption.  Do I have to file a new Homestead Exemption beginning September 1, 2011?
5. What if I don’t own a vehicle?
6. What if my Texas Driver License or Texas ID doesn’t match the address of my Homestead Exemption?
7. How do I obtain a Texas Driver License or Texas ID?
8. Where are Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety) locations in Harris County?
9. How can I contact the Harris County Appraisal District if I have more questions?