Buying in Collin County or just moved into your new place? A simple, one-time application can lower your property tax bill year after year. If you are a first-time buyer or new to Texas, the homestead exemption process can feel confusing. This guide gives you clear steps, key dates, and the exact documents you need so you can file with confidence and avoid common delays. Let’s dive in.
What the homestead exemption does
A Texas residential homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary home. It does not change the tax rate, but a lower taxable value typically means a lower annual bill. State law sets the framework, and local taxing units decide which optional exemptions they offer, so your savings can vary by entity and year.
You file with the Collin County Appraisal District, often called CCAD. CCAD reviews and approves exemptions, then updates your property record so tax offices issue future bills at the reduced taxable value. For statewide rules and forms, review the Texas Comptroller’s guidance on exemptions through the Comptroller’s property tax exemptions page. For Collin County filing steps and online options, start with the Collin County Appraisal District website.
- Statewide overview and forms: visit the Texas Comptroller’s property tax exemptions page at the Comptroller’s website.
- Local filing and status in Collin County: visit the Collin County Appraisal District homepage.
Who qualifies in Collin County
To claim the basic residential homestead exemption, you must meet these rules:
- It must be your principal residence. You must own and occupy the property as your primary home.
- You must own and live in the home on January 1 of the tax year. This is the key date that determines eligibility for that year.
- You can claim only one homestead anywhere in Texas at a time.
- Your identification should match the property address. A Texas driver’s license or state ID showing the homestead address is commonly required. If it does not match, be ready with supporting documents such as your deed, a closing statement, voter registration, vehicle registration, utility bill, or federal tax return per CCAD guidance.
- You must have legal ownership. Co-owners can apply, but the homestead is limited to one residence per owner.
There are additional exemptions for homeowners age 65 or older, people with disabilities, and disabled veterans. These have different documentation and benefits. Check the Texas Comptroller’s exemptions overview for statewide rules and consult CCAD for local instructions.
Key dates you need to know
Timing can make or break your eligibility for the current year.
- January 1 ownership and occupancy: You must own and occupy the home as your principal residence on January 1 to qualify for that tax year.
- Filing window: File your homestead application from January 1 through April 30 for that tax year.
- If you close after January 1: You usually will not qualify until the next tax year. Plan ahead if your closing is early in the year.
- Missed the deadline: Contact the Collin County Appraisal District promptly. Procedures for late situations can vary, and CCAD can advise on your options.
How to file your application
Follow these steps to file smoothly and avoid delays.
Step 1: Gather your documents
- Proof of ownership: Deed or closing statement that shows who holds title.
- Proof of occupancy and ID: Texas driver’s license or state ID with the homestead address. If your ID does not match, collect supporting documents such as voter registration, vehicle registration, a recent utility bill, or your federal tax return.
- Special exemptions: If applying for over-65, disability, or disabled-veteran benefits, gather required documentation such as proof of age, a physician or Social Security letter, or a VA disability rating letter.
Step 2: Get the application form
- Use the Application for Residence Homestead Exemption. The statewide form and instructions are provided through the Texas Comptroller’s property tax exemptions page.
Step 3: Choose how to submit
- Online: File through the Collin County Appraisal District website if the online application portal is available.
- By mail or in person: You can also print and mail the form or deliver it to CCAD.
Step 4: Submit by the deadline
- File between January 1 and April 30 for the current tax year, as long as you met the January 1 ownership and occupancy requirement.
Step 5: Track approval and update escrow
- Keep a copy of your application and any confirmation. Monitor your CCAD property record to confirm the exemption is applied.
- If your mortgage includes escrow, ask your servicer how to adjust future payments after CCAD approves the exemption. For questions about how exemptions affect your bill, visit the Collin County Tax Office through the Collin County website.
Special exemptions and protections
Some homeowners qualify for additional relief beyond the basic homestead exemption.
Over-65 and disabled homeowners
Homeowners who are age 65 or older or who qualify as disabled can receive additional exemptions and a school tax ceiling that can limit increases in school district taxes. If you become eligible during the year, file with CCAD to determine the effective date. See the Texas Comptroller’s exemptions overview for statewide rules and check CCAD for local instructions.
Disabled veterans
Veterans with a service-connected disability may qualify for a partial or full property tax exemption depending on the VA rating. You will typically need a VA disability rating letter when you apply. Learn about VA disability ratings and documentation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Surviving spouses
State law provides certain protections and exemptions for surviving spouses of qualifying disabled veterans and for surviving spouses tied to age-65 or disability exemptions. Requirements vary. Contact CCAD for guidance on eligibility and documentation.
Practical tips for first-time buyers
- Prioritize the January 1 test. If you want the exemption for the current year, plan your move so you own and occupy the home by January 1.
- Update your ID address promptly. A license or state ID that matches the property address helps avoid delays.
- Claim only one homestead. Make sure any prior Texas homestead exemption is removed before you apply in Collin County.
- Keep proof of submission. Save copies and confirmations from online filing, certified mail, or in-person drop off.
- When in doubt, ask CCAD. Procedures and acceptable documents can change. CCAD’s staff can give you the most current local answers.
Quick filing checklist
- Verify you owned and occupied the home on January 1 of the tax year.
- Gather your deed or closing statement.
- Update your Texas driver’s license or state ID to the homestead address.
- Collect supporting documents if your ID address does not match CCAD records.
- Download the Application for Residence Homestead Exemption from the Texas Comptroller’s property tax exemptions page or CCAD’s site.
- Submit your application to the Collin County Appraisal District online, by mail, or in person by April 30.
- Save copies of everything and confirm approval on your CCAD property record.
- If applicable, contact your mortgage servicer to adjust escrow.
- For over-65, disability, or disabled-veteran benefits, include the required proof when you file.
Local help and resources
- Collin County Appraisal District: file, track, or ask filing questions at the Collin County Appraisal District website.
- Texas Comptroller: statewide rules, forms, and exemptions explained at the Comptroller’s property tax exemptions page.
- Collin County Tax Office: for billing and payment questions, start at the Collin County website and navigate to the Tax Office.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: find disability rating information at the VA disability page.
If you recently bought in Celina, Prosper, Frisco, McKinney, or nearby, filing your homestead is one of the easiest ways to protect your budget. Have questions about timing your purchase, closing, or how exemptions can affect your escrow? Reach out to KW 1st Team. We are here to help you plan your move and keep your next steps simple. Start your home search or request a free valuation today with KW 1st Team.
FAQs
What is the Texas homestead exemption and how does it lower taxes?
- The residential homestead exemption reduces your home’s taxable value for property tax purposes, which can lower the amount you owe without changing the tax rate.
When is the filing deadline in Collin County and what is the key date?
- File between January 1 and April 30, and you must own and occupy the home on January 1 of that tax year to qualify.
Can I claim the homestead exemption if I bought after January 1?
- Usually no for that year, since you must own and occupy the home on January 1, but you can file for the next tax year once you meet that requirement.
What documents do I need to submit with my Collin County application?
- Provide proof of ownership and a Texas driver’s license or state ID with the property address, plus supporting documents if your ID address does not match CCAD records.
How do over-65 or disability exemptions work with the basic homestead?
- If you qualify by age or disability, you can receive additional exemptions and a school tax ceiling in addition to the basic homestead benefits, subject to state and local rules.
How will the exemption affect my mortgage escrow payments?
- Once CCAD approves your exemption and updates taxable value, ask your mortgage servicer to review and adjust escrow to reflect the new tax estimate.
