If you recently bought a primary residence in McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Allen, Princeton, Celina, Prosper, Melissa, Anna, Murphy, Wylie or another Collin County community, your homestead exemption belongs on your post-closing checklist.
With home values continuing to make property taxes an important part of the monthly cost of homeownership, filing your exemption is a small step that can have a meaningful financial impact.
If you’re still deciding what you can comfortably purchase, my Texas home affordability guide explains why taxes, insurance and financing matter just as much as the home’s asking price.
Make Sure Your Home Is Actually in Collin County
Cities including Frisco, Plano and Dallas can cross county lines.
If your property isn’t in Collin County, jump to the correct guide:
Dallas County | Tarrant County | Denton County | Harris County | Fort Bend County | Montgomery County
For a Collin County property, you’ll file through the Collin Central Appraisal District, or CCAD.
Collin County Quick Filing Information
Appraisal District: Collin Central Appraisal District
Address: 250 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75069
Phone: 469-742-9200
Collin County Residence Homestead Application
What Is the 2026 Homestead Exemption?
Texas school districts must provide qualifying homeowners with a $140,000 general residence homestead exemption.
Depending on your specific taxing jurisdictions, you may receive additional local exemptions.
Who Qualifies?
Generally, you must own and occupy the home as your principal residence.
A qualifying homestead can include a:
- Single-family home
- Condominium
- Manufactured home
Texas law can also allow up to 20 acres used for residential purposes to form part of a qualifying residence homestead.
What Do You Need?
Prepare:
- Texas driver’s license or ID
- Property information
- Ownership information
- Occupancy information
- Supporting documentation for additional exemptions, if applicable
Your identification address generally needs to match the property.
Step 1: Update Your Identification
Make sure the address on your Texas driver’s license or ID is your Collin County residence.
Step 2: Find Your Property
Use CCAD’s property search and locate the correct account.
Step 3: File Through CCAD
CCAD allows homeowners to file through its Taxpayer Portal.
Applications can also be delivered through approved alternative methods.
CCAD states that emailed applications aren’t accepted.
Step 4: Choose the Correct Exemption
Most owner-occupants will apply for:
General Residence Homestead
Additional exemptions may be available to qualifying:
- Age 65+ homeowners
- Disabled homeowners
- Disabled veterans
- Surviving spouses
Step 5: Complete the Application
Confirm:
- Owner
- Property address
- Occupancy
- Ownership percentage
- Applicable tax year
Step 6: Submit Your Identification
Attach the required Texas driver’s license or ID and other documents applicable to your exemption.
Step 7: Save Your Confirmation
Keep a copy of your application and proof of submission.
Did You Buy After January 1?
You may still qualify.
Texas law allows certain homeowners who purchase and occupy a qualifying residence during the year to receive a prorated general residence homestead exemption.
That makes the old blanket advice to “wait until next January” outdated.
Is There a Fee?
No.
Applying directly through CCAD is free.
What About the Homestead Cap?
The homestead appraisal limitation is different from the exemption.
Once your property qualifies, the limitation can restrict certain annual increases in the appraised value used for taxation.
It doesn’t prevent the market value from increasing by more than 10%.
After Filing
Search your property record again after processing and make sure the exemption is displayed correctly.
Buying in Frisco, McKinney, Celina, Princeton or Another Collin County Community?
Collin County is one of the most active growth corridors in North Texas, and taxes can vary considerably between neighborhoods, cities, school districts, PIDs and other taxing jurisdictions.
Before buying, these resources can help:
How Much House Can I Afford in Texas?
Mortgage Pre-Approval in Texas
Texas First-Time Home Buyer Programs
You can also explore more Texas real estate resources from Kory White Real Estate Group.
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