Most Homeowners know that they can save some money on their property taxes, in most Texas counties, simply by filing a homestead exemption with the county appraisal district. However, some are simply not aware of the savings while others are just not aware that that they do not have the exemption for their current home. Basically, the exepmtion reduces the taxable value of your property for various property tax categories. How much you save and for what tax categories (city, school, county, etc.) will vary depending on your location and the county's appraised value for your home. Filing is easy enough as most counties have a one or two-page exemption form that can be turned in after you spend your first January 1st in the home. Everyone typically qualifies as long as they don't have a homestead exemption filed for another property/home. You can check to see if you have a homestead exemption on your property by calling your local county appraisal district or visiting their website (like www.CollinCAD.org). Home buyers are sometimes fooled by companies that mail them very "official" looking homstead exemption forms (which they offer to file for $25-$50). Do NOT be fooled by these companies. While some may actually file your exemption (and yes, others may not file at all), I am not aware of any counties local to the DFW area who actually charge for filing your homestead exemption. Basically, these companies make money from those who are not aware of how easy and how cheap (i.e. free) it is to file your homestead exemption. If you haven't double-checked your home with your local appraisal district, it's worth the two minutes it takes to look online.

Other local appraisal district websites:
www.DallasCAD.org
www.DentonCAD.org
www.RockwallCAD.com

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com