Buying or settling into a home in Highland Park comes with a to-do list. One item that can lower your annual costs is the Texas homestead exemption. Many new homeowners miss it or file too late, which can leave money on the table. In this guide you’ll learn who qualifies, how to file with the Dallas Central Appraisal District, key dates to remember, and what to expect on your tax bill. Let’s dive in.
What the homestead exemption does
A homestead exemption reduces the portion of your home’s appraised value that is taxed by local entities. The Dallas Central Appraisal District applies the exemption before tax rates are multiplied, which lowers your taxable value and can reduce the property taxes you owe. You will see the exemption listed on your appraisal notice and tax statement.
The exemption can affect taxes for the school district, Dallas County, the Town of Highland Park, and any special districts that levy property taxes. Some exemptions apply to all taxing units and others only to certain ones. For a state-level overview, see the Texas Comptroller’s page on property tax exemptions.
Who qualifies in Highland Park
To qualify, the property must be your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year you want the exemption. You must also own the property. Homes that can qualify include single-family residences, condos, certain manufactured homes, and qualifying acreage used as a residence. Investment or commercial properties do not qualify.
You can claim only one residence homestead in Texas at a time. If you move or change your principal residence, you must update your exemption with the appraisal district.
Key eligibility checklist
- You owned and occupied the home as your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year.
- The property is a residential homestead, not a rental or commercial property.
- You are not claiming a homestead exemption on another property in Texas.
- You can provide proof of ownership and occupancy.
Documents you may need
- Proof of ownership such as a warranty deed or closing statement.
- Proof of residency at the Highland Park address. A Texas driver’s license or state ID with the property address is commonly requested. You may also be asked for voter or vehicle registration or a recent utility bill.
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security number as requested on the application form.
If your home is owned by a trust, or if you are applying as a married couple, the appraisal district has specific instructions for eligibility and documentation.
Which exemptions you can claim
- General residence homestead. The basic exemption for qualifying homeowners that lowers your taxable value.
- Over 65 and disabled person. Texas provides additional exemptions and often a tax ceiling on school district taxes for homeowners who qualify by age or disability status.
- Disabled veteran and surviving spouse. Texas law provides substantial exemptions based on disability rating. Some situations may qualify for a full exemption.
- Surviving spouse of a homeowner who qualified for over 65 or disabled person exemptions. You may be able to retain certain benefits if you continue to occupy the residence and meet program requirements.
- Local or optional exemptions. Some taxing units may offer additional exemptions. Availability and amounts vary by entity.
Exact amounts and formulas can change. For current details and forms, work through the Dallas Central Appraisal District and review the Texas Comptroller’s guidance on property tax exemptions.
When to apply and key deadlines
Eligibility is tied to January 1. To receive the exemption for a given tax year, you must own and occupy the home as your principal residence on January 1 of that year.
Many Texas appraisal districts set April 30 as the suggested filing deadline for that year’s exemption. If you miss it, still file as soon as possible. Late filing policies can vary, so confirm current dates and any retroactive options with the Dallas Central Appraisal District.
If you purchased and moved in after January 1, you will generally apply for the next tax year once you meet the January 1 test.
How to apply in Highland Park
You file with the Dallas Central Appraisal District. Do not file with your mortgage company.
- Where to file. Submit your application to the Dallas Central Appraisal District. Forms and instructions are available on the Dallas Central Appraisal District website.
- How to file. DCAD accepts submissions by mail and in person. Some districts also offer online filing. Check current options on DCAD’s site.
- What to include. A completed homestead application, proof of ownership, and proof of principal residence. Provide identification and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number if the form requests it.
- Cost. Filing is free. Ignore third-party companies that try to charge a fee to apply for you.
Step-by-step filing checklist
- Confirm you meet the January 1 ownership and occupancy requirement for the tax year.
- Gather your documents. Deed or closing statement. Texas driver’s license or state ID with the property address. Any other residency proofs requested on the application.
- Download or request the Residential Homestead Exemption form from DCAD.
- Submit the form and documents to DCAD. Aim for the district’s recommended deadline. If you are past it, file anyway and confirm your options.
- Keep copies and any confirmation numbers.
What happens after you file
DCAD reviews your application. They may request additional information. Once approved, your homestead exemption will appear on your appraisal notice and will be factored into your tax statement for each taxing entity.
- How it shows on your bill. You will see your appraised value, a list of exemptions applied, and the resulting taxable value.
- Savings amount. Your tax savings depend on your appraised value and the tax rates set by each entity. Since the exemption lowers taxable value, the dollars you owe generally go down.
- Mortgage escrow. If your property taxes are escrowed, notify your mortgage servicer after approval. They can adjust your monthly escrow estimate.
- Appeals are separate. If you disagree with the appraised value, you can file a protest with DCAD according to its protest procedures and deadlines.
Property tax bills are collected by tax offices, not the appraisal district. For Dallas County tax payment information, visit the Dallas County Tax Office.
Stay compliant and keep records
Once approved, your homestead exemption usually renews automatically as long as you remain eligible. You do not need to reapply every year. If you move, sell, or convert the property to a non-primary residence, notify DCAD.
If you become eligible for an additional exemption, such as turning 65 or qualifying as a disabled person or disabled veteran, apply as soon as you qualify. Appraisal districts sometimes audit exemptions, so keep records that show the property is your principal residence. That can include your ID, voter registration, vehicle registration, or recent utility bills with the property address.
Common Highland Park scenarios
- You closed in March. You likely will not receive the exemption for that year unless you owned and occupied the home on January 1. Mark your calendar to apply for the next tax year once you meet the January 1 test.
- You refinanced. Refinancing does not cancel your exemption. Keep your documentation and verify the exemption still appears on your appraisal notice.
- You moved within Highland Park. File a new exemption for your new principal residence and ensure the prior home no longer carries your homestead exemption if it is not your primary residence.
- You turned 65 midyear. You can apply for the additional over 65 exemption as soon as you qualify. Check DCAD for the process and effective dates.
Quick checklist for new Highland Park homeowners
- Confirm you owned and occupied the home as your principal residence on January 1. Or note when you will become eligible.
- Gather documents. Deed or closing paperwork. Texas ID or driver’s license with the property address. Proof of occupancy if needed.
- Get the form. Download or request the Residential Homestead Exemption form from DCAD.
- File with DCAD. Mail, in person, or online if available. Aim for the posted deadline. If late, file anyway and confirm options.
- Keep records. Save copies of your form and any confirmation.
- Verify approval. Check your appraisal notice or tax statement to confirm the exemption is applied. If you escrow, inform your mortgage servicer.
Your next step
A homestead exemption is one of the simplest ways to reduce your annual property tax burden in Highland Park. If you meet the January 1 test, file early, keep your records, and double-check your next appraisal notice to confirm the savings are applied. If your circumstances change, update DCAD so your exemption stays accurate.
If you would like a local guide to help you navigate the homestead timeline as part of a broader buying or selling plan in the Park Cities, reach out to Christi Weinstein for a quick conversation and a tailored next step.
FAQs
Who qualifies for a Texas homestead exemption in Highland Park?
- You must own and occupy the property as your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year and can claim only one homestead exemption in Texas at a time.
How do I apply for a Highland Park homestead exemption?
What is the filing deadline for the exemption year?
- Many districts use April 30 as the suggested deadline. If you miss it, file as soon as possible and confirm current late-filing options with DCAD.
Can I apply if I bought my home after January 1?
- You generally cannot receive the exemption for that year. Apply for the next tax year once you own and occupy the home on the following January 1.
What other exemptions might I qualify for?
- Texas offers additional exemptions for over 65, disabled persons, disabled veterans, and certain surviving spouses. Review the state overview at the Texas Comptroller’s exemptions page and apply through DCAD.
How will I see the exemption on my bill?
- Your appraisal notice and tax statement show the appraised value, applied exemptions, and the reduced taxable value used to calculate each taxing unit’s bill.
Do I need to tell my mortgage servicer once approved?
- Yes, if you escrow property taxes, share your approval so your servicer can adjust monthly escrow estimates.
What if I disagree with my appraised value?
- Exemption approval is separate from valuation. You can file a protest with DCAD following its procedures and deadlines.
