FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | January 6, 2026

Media Contact
Cynthia Martinez, Chief Strategy Officer
Travis Central Appraisal District
[email protected] 

TRAVIS COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS REMINDED TO APPLY FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS IN THE NEW YEAR

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

“In 2025, having a homestead exemption saved the average Travis County property owner $3,663 on their property tax bill,” said Chief Appraiser Leana Mann. “If you’re not claiming your exemptions, you’re paying too much in property taxes.”

A homestead exemption can provide significant property tax savings for homeowners by reducing the taxable value of their primary residence. Homeowners who purchased a home in 2025 or who have not previously applied for a homestead exemption are encouraged to apply as soon as they qualify. The application form must be accompanied by a copy of a Texas driver’s license or identification card reflecting the property’s address. Filing for an exemption is free.

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.

Additionally, property owners who began claiming a homestead exemption on their property from 2010 to 2019 will be included in the District’s exemption verification program for 2026. The verification process ensures exemptions are applied only to eligible properties, as required by state law. If a homeowner needs to provide any information to the District as part of the verification process, they will be notified directly. No action is required unless a taxpayer receives a notice from TCAD.

Added Mann, “Property owners who need help with their forms should never pay someone to assist them. Our staff is always available to help.”

TCAD’s homestead exemption hotline is available to provide property owners with assistance in completing their applications and verifications. By calling 512-873-1560, Travis County residents can speak with a customer service representative who can answer their questions and help with submitting completed forms. The helpline is staffed Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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 traviscad.org/homesteadexemptions. More information on the exemption verification process is available at traviscad.org/verify.

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 traviscad.org.

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