FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | January 4, 2021

Media Contact
Cynthia Martinez, Communications Officer
[email protected] | 512-834-9317 ext. 226

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

Helpline and Webinar Series Now Available for Travis County Property Owners

AUSTIN, Texas – The Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) is encouraging property owners to file for a homestead exemption on property they own and live in as of Jan. 1. TCAD is also launching an exemption helpline and webinar series aimed at helping Travis County property owners complete their applications and navigate the property tax system.

“Eighty-one percent of single family residences in Travis County currently use exemptions to lower the taxable value of the property,” said Chief Appraiser Marya Crigler, “On average, a homestead exemption saves a Travis County property owner $814 on their property tax bill.”

Several types of homestead exemptions exist 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. In order to be eligible for a homestead exemption, a property owner must own and occupy the property as of Jan. 1. The deadline to submit an exemption application is April 30.

This year, TCAD has established a new exemption helpline to help property owners with their applications. By calling 512-873-1560, Travis County residents can speak with a customer service representative who can 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.

Additionally, TCAD has launched a new webinar series aimed at helping property owners understand the property tax system. Topics that will be covered include types of homestead exemptions, understanding Notices of Appraised Value, and the protest process. The first webinar is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. and will cover property tax bills, payment options, and appraisal remedies.

Added Crigler, “Travis County residents who have questions about the property tax system or need help with their exemption applications will have several new options to connect with us in a socially-distant way in 2021.”

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. Property owners can register for the 2021 Property Owner Webinar Series at www.traviscad.org/webinars.

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

###