If you own a home in Texas and haven’t filed for your homestead exemption yet, you could be leaving real money on the table every single year. It’s one of the most valuable — and most overlooked — benefits of homeownership in the Lone Star State. As a REALTOR® serving New Braunfels and Comal County, I help clients with this all the time, so let me break it down in plain English.
What Is the Texas Homestead Exemption?
The Texas homestead exemption is a property tax benefit available to homeowners who use their home as their primary residence. It reduces the taxable value of your home, which directly lowers the amount of property taxes you owe each year. It doesn’t eliminate your taxes — but it can meaningfully reduce them, especially in a high-growth area like New Braunfels where property values have climbed significantly in recent years.
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Here’s how the numbers work in Texas:
General Homestead Exemption
The state of Texas requires school districts to offer a $100,000 exemption off your home’s appraised value for school district taxes — this was increased from $40,000 as of 2023. If your home is appraised at $350,000, your school district taxes would be calculated on $250,000 instead. That’s a significant difference.
County and Municipal Exemptions
On top of the state school district exemption, Comal County and the City of New Braunfels both offer their own optional homestead exemptions. These typically range from 5%–20% of your home’s appraised value. Always check with the Comal Appraisal District for current rates, as these can change year to year.
Senior and Disabled Exemptions
If you’re 65 or older, or if you have a qualifying disability, you’re eligible for additional exemptions — and critically, a tax freeze on your school district taxes. Once you qualify, your school tax bill cannot increase as long as you own and live in the home. That’s an enormous financial protection in a market where values keep rising.
Who Qualifies for the Homestead Exemption in Texas?
To qualify, you must meet these basic requirements:
- You own the property (your name is on the deed or you have a qualifying ownership interest)
- The property is your primary residence — where you live most of the year
- You were living in the home on January 1st of the tax year you’re applying for
- The property is in Texas
You cannot claim a homestead exemption on a vacation home, rental property, or investment property — only your primary residence qualifies.
How to File in Comal County, Texas
Filing is free and surprisingly simple. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Get the Application Form
Download the Form 50-114 (Application for Residence Homestead Exemption) from the Texas Comptroller’s website, or pick it up directly from the Comal Appraisal District office at 900 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130. You can also find it on the Comal Appraisal District website.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You’ll need:
- A copy of your Texas driver’s license or state ID — the address must match your home address
- Your property’s account number (found on your tax statement or the appraisal district’s website)
- For over-65 or disability exemptions: proof of age or a disability award letter
This is a step that trips people up. Your driver’s license address must match the property address. If you just moved in, update your license first at the Texas DPS before filing.
Step 3: Submit the Application
You can submit by mail, in person, or online at the Comal Appraisal District website. The deadline to file for the current tax year is April 30th. However, there’s good news: as of 2022, Texas law allows you to file a late exemption up to two years back. So even if you missed the window, it’s worth filing now and requesting back-credits.
When Does the Exemption Take Effect?
Once approved, your exemption is applied to the current tax year and remains in place as long as you continue to own and occupy the home as your primary residence. You do not need to re-apply every year — it carries over automatically. You only need to re-apply if you move, if your status changes (e.g., you turn 65), or if the appraisal district sends you a notice requesting requalification.
What Happens When You Sell Your Home?
When you sell, the homestead exemption does not transfer to the new owner — they’ll need to file their own application. As a seller, your taxes are typically prorated at closing based on the current year’s assessment. As a buyer, one of the first things I always remind my clients to do after closing is file for the homestead exemption. It’s free money you shouldn’t leave behind.
If you’re thinking about buying in New Braunfels, this is one of the real perks — Texas has no state income tax, and with the homestead exemption, you can keep your property tax burden more manageable. I walk through this (and a lot more) with buyers during our first consultation. For more on the homebuying process, check out my post on 7 Steps to Buying Your First Home in Texas.
Common Homestead Exemption Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to update your driver’s license address. This is the #1 reason applications get rejected.
- Filing on a rental property. The exemption is only for your primary home.
- Thinking you’ll lose it if you refinance. You won’t — a refinance doesn’t affect your exemption status.
- Missing the April 30 deadline and not knowing about the late filing option. You can still file late and potentially receive back-credits for up to two prior years.
- Not filing at all after moving in. It’s not automatic — you have to initiate the application once.
Questions? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re buying your first home in New Braunfels, relocating to the Texas Hill Country, or just trying to make the most of the home you already own, I’m here to help. The homestead exemption is one of those things that sounds complicated but is actually pretty simple once you know the steps — and it can save you real money every year.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the New Braunfels area, I’d love to chat. Reach out here and let’s talk about your goals. You can also check out my relocation guide to New Braunfels for a broader look at what makes this community such a great place to put down roots.