The Texas Homestead Exemption form is a document that allows homeowners to claim exemptions on their primary residence, potentially reducing their property taxes. This form is essential for those who own and occupy their home as their principal residence. To ensure you receive the benefits you qualify for, complete the form accurately and submit it by the specified deadlines.
Ready to start? Fill out the form by clicking the button below.
When filling out the Texas Homestead Exemption form, keep the following tips in mind:
Harris County
Application for
Appraisal District
Residence Homestead Exemption
FORM 11.13 (03/13)
Account Number:
Tax Year:
Return to: Harris County Appraisal District, P. O. Box 922012, Houston, Texas
77292-2012. The district is located at 13013 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77040. For
questions, call (713) 957-7800.
* NEWHS1 1 1 *
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: This application is for use in claiming general homestead
exemptions pursuant to Tax Code §11.13 and §11.131. The exemptions apply to your
residence homestead that you own and occupy as your principal residence. You must
furnish all information and documentation required by the application.
Incomplete applications cannot be processed.
APPLICATION DEADLINES: For homestead exemptions other than the age 65 and over or disabled person homestead exemptions provided in Tax Code §11.13(c) and (d), you must file the completed application with all required documentation between January 1 and no later than April 30 of the year for which you are requesting an exemption. If you qualify for an age 65 and over homestead exemption provided in Tax Code §11.13(c) or (d), you must apply for the exemption no later than the first anniversary of the date you qualify for the exemption. If you qualify for a disabled person homestead exemption provided in Tax Code §11.13(c) or (d), you must apply for the exemption no later than the first anniversary of the date you qualify for the exemption. Pursuant to Tax Code §11.431, you may file a late application for a residence homestead exemption, including a 100% disabled veteran residence homestead exemption, after the deadline for filing has passed if it is filed not later than one year after the delinquency date for the taxes on the homestead.
WHEN NEW APPLICATION REQUIRED: Pursuant to Tax Code §11.43(c), if the chief appraiser grants your exemption(s), you do not need to reapply annually. However, the chief appraiser may require you to file a new application to confirm your current qualification for the exemption(s) by delivering to you a written notice that a new application is required, accompanied by an appropriate application form. Also, for most exemptions, you must file a new application to claim an exemption that you qualify for in the future if you do not currently qualify.
DUTY TO NOTIFY: You have a duty to notify the chief appraiser when your entitlement to any exemption ends.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Pursuant to Tax Code §11.45, after considering this application and all relevant information, the chief appraiser may request additional information from you. You must provide the additional information within 30 days of the request or the application is denied. For good cause shown, the chief appraiser may extend the deadline for furnishing the additional information by written order for a single period not to exceed 15 days.
Step 1: State the year for which you are seeking exemption(s), the date you moved in, and your ownership status.
State the year for which you are seeking exemption(s)
State the date you began occupying the property as your principal residence
Do you own the property for which you are seeking an exemption? (check one):
Yes
No
Step 2: Provide information regarding all owners of the property for which you are seeking exemption(s) (attach additional sheets if needed).
Owner's Name (person completing application)
Mailing Address
City, State, and ZIP Code
Phone (area code and number)
Driver's License, Personal ID Certificate, or Social Security Number*
Birth Date**
Percent Ownership in Property
Other Owner's Name(s) (if any)
Birth Date** of Spouse (if applicable)
Other Owner's Percent Ownership
*Pursuant to Tax Code Section 11.43(f), you are required to furnish this information. A driver’s license number, personal identification certificate number, or social security account number provided in an application for an exemption filed with a chief appraiser is confidential and not open to public inspection. The information may not be disclosed to anyone other than an employee of the appraisal office who appraises property, except as authorized by Tax Code Section 11.48(b).
**Tax Code Section 11.43(m) allows a person who receives a general homestead exemption in a tax year to receive the age 65 or older exemption for an individual 65 years of age or older in the next tax year on the same property without applying for the age 65 or older exemption if the person becomes 65 years of age in that next year as shown by information in the records of the appraisal district that was provided to the appraisal district by the individual in an application for a general residence homestead exemption.
The Property Tax Assistance Division at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts provides property tax information and resources for taxpayers, local taxing entities, appraisal districts and appraisal review boards. For more information, visit their website: www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/proptax
Step 3: Describe the property for which you are seeking exemption(s).
Street Address, City, State, and ZIP Code
Legal Description (if known)
Appraisal District Account Number (if known)
Number of acres (not to exceed 20) used for residential occupancy of the structure:
(Note: the structure and the land and improvements must have identical ownership)
acres
For a MANUFACTURED HOME, state the make, model and identification number
Step 4: Identify exemptions that apply to you and state whether you are transferring a tax ceiling.
Brief descriptions of qualifications for the exemptions listed are provided under each listing; however, to obtain complete information, you should consult the Tax Code. For assistance, you may contact your appraisal district or the Comptroller’s Property Tax Assistance Division. If your appraisal district has not provided with this application a list of taxing units served by the appraisal district with all residential homestead exemptions each taxing unit offers, you may call the appraisal district to determine what homestead exemptions are offered by your taxing units.
GENERAL RESIDENCE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION (Tax Code §11.13): You may qualify for this exemption if for the current year and, if
filing a late application, for the year for which you are seeking an exemption: (1) you owned this property on January 1; (2) you occupied it as your principal residence on January 1; and (3) you and your spouse do not claim a residence homestead exemption on any other property.
DISABLED PERSON EXEMPTION (Tax Code §11.13(c), (d)): You may qualify for this exemption if you are under a disability for purposes of payment of disability insurance benefits under Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance. You can’t receive an age 65 or older exemption if you receive this exemption.
AGE 65 OR OLDER EXEMPTION (Tax Code §11.13(c), (d)): You may qualify for this exemption if you are 65 years of age or older. You cannot receive a disability exemption if you receive this exemption.
SURVIVING SPOUSE OF INDIVIDUAL WHO QUALIFIED FOR AGE 65 OR OLDER EXEMPTION UNDER TAX CODE
§11.13(d) (Tax Code §11.13(q)): You may qualify for this exemption if: (1) your deceased spouse died in a year in which he or she qualified for the exemption under Tax Code §11.13(d); (2) you were 55 years of age or older when your deceased spouse died; and (3) the property was your residence homestead when your deceased spouse died and remains your residence homestead. You can’t receive this exemption if you receive an exemption under Tax Code §11.13(d).
Name of Deceased Spouse
Date of Death
100% DISABLED VETERANS EXEMPTION (Tax Code §11.131): You may qualify for this exemption if you are a disabled veteran who
receives from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor: (1) 100 percent disability compensation due to a service-connected disability; and (2) a rating of 100 percent disabled or individual unemployability. If you qualify for a 100% disabled veteran’s exemption after January 1 of a tax year that begins on or after January 1, 2012, you may receive the exemption for the applicable portion of that tax year immediately on qualification for the exemption.
SURVIVING SPOUSE OF DISABLED VETERAN WHO RECEIVED THE 100% DISABLED VETERAN’S EXEMPTION (Tax Code §11.131): You may qualify for this exemption if you were married to a disabled veteran who qualified for an exemption under Tax Code §11.131 at the time of his or her death and: (1) you have not remarried since the death of the disabled veteran and (2) the property was your residence homestead when the disabled veteran died and remains your residence homestead.
Check if you seek to transfer a school tax limitation from your last home pursuant to Tax Code §11.26(h).
Step 5: Attach required documents.
Include with ALL applications (Note: The chief appraiser may not approve an exemption unless the address on the driver’s license or state-issued personal identification certificate corresponds to the address on the applicant’s vehicle registration receipt or utility bill AND the address indicated on the application form.):
1)a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license or state-issued personal identification certificate; and
2)a copy of the applicant’s vehicle registration receipt; or
a)if the applicant does not own a vehicle, an affidavit to that effect signed by the applicant; and
b)a copy of a utility bill in the applicant’s name for the property for which exemption is sought.
Include with an application for a request for an AGE 65 OR OLDER OR DISABLED exemption:
In addition to the information identified above, an applicant for an age 65 or older or disabled exemption who is not specifically identified on a deed or other instrument recorded in the applicable real property records as an owner of the residence homestead must provide an affidavit or other compelling evidence establishing the applicant’s ownership of an interest in the homestead.
Include with an application for a request for a 100% DISABLED VETERANS exemption:
In addition to the information identified above, an applicant for a 100% disabled veterans exemption or the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who qualified for the 100% disabled veteran’s exemption must provide documentation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor indicating that the veteran received 100 percent disability compensation due to a service-connected disability and had a rating of 100 percent disabled or individual unemployability.
Include with applications for MANUFACTURED HOMES:
For a manufactured home to qualify for a residence homestead, applicant must ALSO include:
1)a copy of the statement of ownership and location for the manufactured home issued by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs showing that the applicant is the owner of the manufactured home;
2)a copy of the purchase contract or payment receipt showing that the applicant is the purchaser of the manufactured home; or
3)a sworn affidavit by the applicant indicating that:
a)the applicant is the owner of the manufactured home;
b)the seller of the manufactured home did not provide the applicant with a purchase contract; and
c)the applicant could not locate the seller after making a good faith effort.
Step 6: (Cooperative Housing Residents) Provide statement regarding your right to occupy the property.
Do you have an exclusive right to occupy this unit because you own stock in a cooperative housing corporation?.....
Yes No
Step 7: Read, sign, and date.
By signing this application, you state that the facts in this application are true and correct, that you do not claim a residence homestead exemption on another residence homestead in Texas, and that you do not claim a residence homestead exemption on a residence homestead outside of Texas.
NOTICE REGARDING PENALTIES FOR MAKING OR FILING AN APPLICATION CONTAINING A FALSE STATEMENT: If you make a false statement on this form, you could be found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor or a state jail felony under Section 37.10, Penal Code.
Your signature on this application constitutes a sworn statement that you have read and understand the Notice Regarding Penalties for Making or Filing an Application Containing a False Statement.
sign here â
Authorized Signature
Date
Printed Name
Affidavits: Complete and have notarized, if applicable (see Step 5, above).
NON-OWNERSHIP OF MOTOR VEHICLE AFFIDAVIT
STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF
Before me, the undersigned authority, personally appeared
,
who, being by me duly sworn, deposed as follows:
“My name is
. I am over 18 years of age and I am otherwise fully competent
to make this affidavit. I have personal knowledge of the facts contained herein and all of same are true and correct.
I do not own a vehicle.
Further, Affiant sayeth not.”
Signature of Affiant
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this, the
day of
Notary Public in and for the State of Texas
My Commission expires:
AGE 65 OR OLDER/DISABLED EXEMPTION AFFIDAVIT
I have a
percent ownership in the residence homestead identified in the foregoing exemption application.
MANUFACTURED HOME AFFIDAVIT
I am the owner of the manufactured home identified in the foregoing exemption application. The seller of the manufactured home did not provide me with a purchase contract and I could not locate the seller after making a good faith effort.
Efiled - The form fosters a cooperative relationship between depositories and custodians.
Hotel Tax Exemption Texas - In-state educational institutions have specific guidelines for hotel tax exemptions.
The Texas Homestead Exemption form is essential for homeowners seeking property tax relief. However, several other documents and forms may accompany this application to ensure that all necessary information is provided and that the application is processed smoothly. Below is a list of these important documents, along with brief descriptions of each.
Each of these documents plays a crucial role in supporting the Texas Homestead Exemption application. Ensuring that all required forms are completed and submitted can help prevent delays in processing and facilitate a smoother experience for homeowners seeking tax relief.
When applying for the Texas Homestead Exemption, many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to delays or even denials of their applications. Understanding these pitfalls is crucial for ensuring a smooth application process. Here are nine frequent errors to watch out for.
One of the most significant mistakes is failing to provide complete information. The application requires specific details about the property and its owners. Incomplete applications cannot be processed. Missing even a small piece of information can result in unnecessary delays, so it's essential to double-check that all sections are filled out correctly.
Another common error is not adhering to the application deadlines. The deadline for filing a homestead exemption application is April 30 of the tax year for which the exemption is sought. Many applicants forget this crucial date, which can lead to losing out on potential tax savings. If you miss the deadline, you may still file a late application, but it must be done within one year of the tax delinquency date.
Some applicants also overlook the requirement to notify the chief appraiser when their entitlement to an exemption ends. This duty is important because failing to inform the appraisal district can lead to penalties or complications in future applications. Keeping the appraisal district updated is a responsibility that should not be neglected.
Providing incorrect or outdated documentation is yet another mistake. For example, the address on your driver’s license must match the address on your vehicle registration or utility bill. If these documents do not align, your application may be denied. Always ensure that the documents you submit are current and accurately reflect your residency.
Misunderstanding the ownership requirements can also lead to issues. If you are not specifically named on the deed or other property records, you may need to provide additional evidence of ownership. This oversight can complicate your application and delay the process, so it's important to clarify your ownership status before applying.
Many applicants fail to check whether they qualify for multiple exemptions. The Texas Homestead Exemption offers various types of exemptions, such as those for disabled persons or individuals aged 65 and older. Not exploring all available options may mean missing out on significant savings. Take the time to review your eligibility for each exemption type.
Some individuals neglect to attach required documents, which can result in an incomplete application. For instance, if you are applying for an age 65 or older exemption, you must provide additional documentation if you are not listed as an owner on the property records. Always refer to the checklist provided in the application to ensure you include all necessary documents.
Lastly, many applicants forget to sign and date their application. This step is crucial, as your signature serves as a sworn statement that the information provided is accurate. Without a signature, the application may be considered invalid, leading to further complications.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, applicants can navigate the Texas Homestead Exemption application process more effectively. Attention to detail and thoroughness can make a significant difference in securing the benefits of this valuable exemption.
Understanding the Texas Homestead Exemption can be challenging. Here are seven common misconceptions that may lead to confusion:
This is not true. If your exemption is granted, you do not need to reapply annually unless the chief appraiser requests a new application to confirm your eligibility.
Eligibility depends on several factors, including ownership and occupancy as your principal residence. You must meet specific criteria to qualify.
The deadline for most homestead exemptions is April 30 of the year you are requesting the exemption. There are exceptions for those 65 and older or disabled individuals.
While late applications are allowed under certain conditions, it is best to apply within the designated timeframe to avoid complications.
You cannot claim a residence homestead exemption on more than one property at the same time. It is essential to declare only your principal residence.
The homestead exemption specifically applies to your residence homestead. Different rules may apply for manufactured homes or other types of properties.
It is your responsibility to inform the chief appraiser if you no longer qualify for the exemption. Failing to do so can lead to penalties.
When filling out and using the Texas Homestead Exemption form, keep these key takeaways in mind:
Understanding these points will help streamline the process of applying for and maintaining your homestead exemption in Texas.
After completing the Texas Homestead Exemption form, submit it to the Harris County Appraisal District. Ensure that you include all required documentation. Incomplete applications cannot be processed. If you have questions, reach out to the appraisal district for assistance.