PROPERTY OWNERS ENCOURAGED TO FILE FOR THEIR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS IN THE NEW YEAR

AUSTIN, Texas – The Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) is encouraging property owners who own and live on a property to save money on their property tax bill by filing for their homestead exemptions.

“Even with record-setting property values, the benefits of having a homestead exemption allowed many Travis County property owners to see their property tax bill decrease in 2022,” said Chief Appraiser Marya Crigler, “Claiming the exemptions you qualify for is the easiest way a property owner can lower their property tax bill.”

Several types of homestead exemptions are available, including a general residence homestead exemption and exemptions for people over the age of 65, people and veterans with disabilities, and the surviving spouses of service members or first responders killed in the line of duty. To be eligible for a homestead exemption, a property owner must own and occupy a property. Unless there is a change to a property’s deed, property owners do not need to reapply for their exemptions once they have been granted.

TCAD’s homestead exemption hotline will provide property owners with assistance completing their applications before the May 1 deadline. By calling 512-873-1560, Travis County residents can speak with a customer service representative who will answer their questions about eligibility and documentation, walk them through their application, and help with submitting a completed application. The helpline is staffed Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone lines may have long wait times in January due to the Jan. 31 property tax payment deadline.

Exemption applications can be submitted in-person, by mail, or through TCAD’s online portal. Applying via the portal allows a property owner to check on their application’s status, submit required documentation, and receive email notifications.

Added Crigler, “Travis County property owners who apply for their exemptions online will see faster processing times and updates on their application status.”

Travis County property owners can view the current exemptions on their property, review a list of available homestead exemptions, and download or complete exemption application forms online at www.traviscad.org. The TCAD Homestead Helpline can be reached at 512-873-1560.

About the Travis Central Appraisal District

The mission of Travis Central Appraisal District, in accordance with the Texas Constitution and the laws of the state, is to provide accurate appraisal of all property in Travis County at one hundred percent market value, equally and uniformly, in a professional, ethical, economical and courteous manner, working to ensure that each taxpayer pays only their fair share of the property tax burden. For more information, please visit www.traviscad.org.

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