How to File Your Homestead Exemption in Tarrant County, Texas
If you bought a home in Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield, Keller, Southlake, Grapevine, Euless, Bedford, Hurst, North Richland Hills or another Tarrant County community, filing your residence homestead exemption should be one of your first post-closing tasks.
It is free to file, and qualifying homeowners can potentially save thousands of dollars in property taxes over time.
If you’re still planning your purchase rather than filing after closing, start with my guide to How Much House Can I Afford in Texas? because property taxes should be considered alongside your mortgage payment, insurance and other ownership costs.
Already purchased?
Here’s exactly how to file your Tarrant County residence homestead exemption.
First, Make Sure Tarrant County Is the Correct County
A mailing address doesn’t always tell you which appraisal district handles your property.
This is especially important around North Texas because several cities cross county lines.
If your home isn’t in Tarrant County, use the appropriate KWREG guide:
- Dallas County Homestead Exemption Guide
- Collin County Homestead Exemption Guide
- Denton County Homestead Exemption Guide
- Harris County Homestead Exemption Guide
- Fort Bend County Homestead Exemption Guide
- Montgomery County Homestead Exemption Guide
If the property is in Tarrant County, your application goes through the Tarrant Appraisal District, or TAD, rather than the Tarrant County Tax Office.
Tarrant County Homestead Exemption Quick Links
Appraisal District: Tarrant Appraisal District
Address: 2500 Handley-Ederville Road, Fort Worth, TX 76118
Phone: 817-284-0024
Visit Tarrant Appraisal District
Start a Tarrant County Homestead Exemption Application
What Does the Homestead Exemption Do?
A residence homestead exemption reduces the portion of your home’s value that certain taxing entities use to calculate your property taxes.
For 2026, Texas school districts provide qualifying homeowners with a $140,000 general residence homestead exemption.
Other taxing entities may offer additional exemptions.
That means the exact benefit varies depending on your:
- School district
- City
- County
- Special taxing districts
- Additional exemptions
The exemption reduces taxable value, not necessarily your home’s market value.
Who Qualifies?
Generally, you must:
- Own an interest in the property
- Occupy the property as your principal residence
- Meet Texas residence-homestead requirements
- Not claim another property as your principal residence homestead
Texas also allows qualifying homeowners who purchase and occupy their home after January 1 to potentially receive a prorated exemption for that tax year.
What You’ll Need
Before beginning, have:
- Texas driver’s license or Texas ID
- Property address
- Property/account information
- Ownership information
- Purchase date
- Date you began occupying the property
Your Texas identification generally needs to reflect the same address as the residence you’re claiming.
Step 1: Update Your Driver’s License
If your driver’s license still shows your old address, update it before filing.
This is one of the easiest issues to correct before submitting your application.
Step 2: Find Your Property
Visit the Tarrant Appraisal District property search and locate the correct property record.
Confirm your:
- Owner name
- Property address
- Account information
Step 3: Start the Homestead Application
Use TAD’s homestead exemption application.
Select the General Residence Homestead Exemption if that is the exemption for which you’re applying.
Step 4: Check for Additional Exemptions
You may qualify for additional benefits if you’re:
- 65 or older
- Disabled
- A qualifying disabled veteran
- An eligible surviving spouse
Don’t select an exemption unless you meet its requirements.
Step 5: Complete Your Ownership Information
Enter the requested information concerning:
- Property ownership
- Ownership percentage
- Occupancy
- Property address
- Date the residence became your principal home
Step 6: Provide Identification
Submit the requested Texas driver’s license or Texas identification information.
Step 7: Review and Submit
Before submitting, double-check:
- Your name
- Address
- Occupancy information
- Ownership information
- Exemptions selected
Save your confirmation after submitting.
When Should You File?
The traditional Texas filing deadline is April 30.
However, Texas law permits certain late applications. If you forgot to file, don’t assume you have permanently missed your opportunity.
Contact TAD and determine what options apply to your situation.
Homestead Exemption vs. the 10% Homestead Cap
These are related, but they’re not the same thing.
Your homestead exemption removes qualifying value from taxation.
The homestead appraisal limitation can eventually limit certain annual increases in the appraised value used for taxation.
Your property’s market value can still increase by more than 10%.
Do You Have to Reapply Every Year?
Generally, no.
Once approved, your exemption normally remains while you continue to qualify, although the appraisal district can request updated information.
Don’t Pay Someone Just to File
The application itself is free.
Be cautious with companies sending mail that looks official and charging a fee to complete a homestead application you can submit directly.
What Should You Do After Filing?
Go back to your TAD property record after the application has been processed and verify that your residence homestead exemption appears.
Don’t simply submit it and forget about it.
Buying a Home in Tarrant County?
The tax bill is only one piece of affordability.
Before buying, look at the complete cost of ownership, including your mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA assessments and maintenance.
These KWREG resources can help:
How Much House Can I Afford in Texas?
Why Mortgage Pre-Approval Matters in Texas
Compare the Different Types of Mortgage Loans
Texas First-Time Home Buyer Programs
If you’re planning to buy, sell or relocate in North Texas, Kory White Real Estate Group can help you look at the property, financing, taxes and long-term numbers together.
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