Thinking about ways to lower your Colleyville property tax bill? If you live in your home as your primary residence, the Texas homestead exemption can reduce how much of your home’s value gets taxed, and in some cases it can even lock in your school taxes. If deadlines and documents feel confusing, you are not alone.
This guide breaks down how homestead exemptions work in Tarrant County, who qualifies, what to file, and the biggest mistakes to avoid. You will also find a quick checklist and answers to common questions from Colleyville homeowners. Let’s dive in.
What a homestead exemption does
A homestead exemption removes part of your home’s appraised value before local tax rates are applied. The appraisal district sets your market value, exemptions are subtracted, and your taxing units apply their rates to the lower taxable value. The result is a smaller property tax bill.
In Texas, school districts must offer certain exemptions, while counties, cities, and other taxing units may adopt optional ones. Some categories, such as over‑65, disability, and disabled veteran exemptions, can deliver additional savings or special benefits like a school tax ceiling.
Who qualifies in Tarrant County
January 1 rule
To qualify for a given tax year, you must own and occupy the home as your principal residence on January 1 of that year.
Primary residence only
Your homestead must be your main home. Vacation homes, rentals, and vacant land do not qualify. You can have only one residence homestead exemption per person.
New buyers after January 1
If you closed after January 1, you generally will not qualify for that year’s exemption. Apply so it is in place for the next tax year.
Main exemption types in Texas
General residence homestead
This is the standard exemption for homeowners who use the property as their principal residence.
Over‑65 (senior) exemption
If you are 65 or older, you may receive an additional exemption. You may also qualify for a school tax ceiling that limits increases to the school portion of your tax bill after you qualify.
Disability exemption (non‑VA)
Homeowners with a qualifying disability may receive an additional exemption. Similar to the over‑65 category, this may also qualify you for a school tax ceiling in some situations.
Disabled veteran and surviving spouse
Disabled veteran exemptions are often set by disability rating and can range from a dollar amount to a full exemption for certain ratings. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may have special protections. Requirements and documentation are specific, so review the appraisal district’s instructions carefully.
Surviving spouse of an over‑65 or disabled homeowner
In certain situations, a surviving spouse may maintain the exemption and any school tax ceiling if eligibility rules are met and the required documents are filed.
Local optional exemptions
Cities, counties, community colleges, hospital districts, and other taxing units can adopt extra exemptions. These vary by unit and can change, so confirm what applies to your address with the Tarrant Appraisal District and your taxing units.
How much you could save
Homestead exemptions reduce taxable value, not the appraised value on your notice. Your savings equal the exemption amount multiplied by your combined tax rate.
Here is a simple model you can use:
- Appraised value from the Tarrant Appraisal District
- Minus your total exemptions
- Equals taxable value
- Taxable value multiplied by your combined rate equals your estimated property taxes
Because rates vary by taxing unit, the same exemption can produce different savings for different properties in Colleyville.
School tax ceiling for over‑65 and disability
If you qualify for the over‑65 or certain disability exemptions and file, your school district taxes can be capped at the amount in place when you qualify. This protects you from increases in the school portion due to rising appraisals. Other parts of your bill can still change if rates change.
When you might not see a lower bill
If a taxing unit raises its rate enough to offset the reduction in taxable value, your overall bill could still rise. Exemptions lower the value that is taxed, not the rates themselves.
How to apply in Colleyville
File your initial application with the Tarrant Appraisal District. Once approved, exemptions usually carry forward each year unless your ownership or occupancy changes.
Where to file
- File with the Tarrant Appraisal District, not the tax office. Local taxing units rely on the appraisal district’s determination.
- Some exemptions, such as disabled veteran categories, may require coordination or additional verification.
What to include
Have originals or certified copies ready. TAD sets exact documentation rules, but you should expect to provide:
- Proof of ownership, such as a deed, title policy, or recorded instrument
- Proof of primary residence, such as a current Texas driver’s license or Texas ID with the property address, plus vehicle or voter registration with that address; newly purchased homes may use a utility bill or closing statement
- For over‑65, proof of age
- For disability or disabled veteran exemptions, official award letters or required medical or agency documentation
- For surviving spouses, a death certificate and documents showing your eligibility
Steps and timing
- Confirm you owned and occupied the home on January 1.
- Update your Texas driver’s license and registrations to your Colleyville address.
- Complete the Tarrant Appraisal District application for homestead exemptions.
- Submit by April 30 to apply for the current tax year.
- Watch for approval or denial. Keep your records.
If you missed April 30
File as soon as you can. Ask TAD whether late or retroactive application rules apply to your situation.
Special situations and common questions
Moving within Colleyville or Tarrant County
Your exemption is tied to your specific homestead. If you move, the exemption for your prior home ends, and you must apply for your new primary residence.
Co‑ownership and shared residency
Only owners who occupy the home as their primary residence can claim the exemption. If co‑owners live elsewhere, TAD may ask for affidavits or additional proof.
Newly built or newly purchased homes
If you did not own and occupy the property on January 1, apply for the next tax year. Keep your closing documents and update your IDs early.
Exemption vs. appraisal protest
A homestead exemption reduces taxable value. Protesting your appraised value is a separate process if you believe the market value is too high. Watch your Notice of Appraised Value for protest deadlines, which are typically in mid‑May or within 30 days of the notice date.
Denials and appeals
If TAD denies your exemption, the notice will explain why and how to appeal. Respond quickly, supply the requested documents, and track deadlines.
Audit risk and penalties
Claim only one residence homestead exemption. Misrepresenting your primary residence can lead to penalties and back taxes. Keep your residency documents current and consistent.
Quick checklist for Colleyville homeowners
- Verify you owned and occupied the property on January 1
- Update your Texas driver’s license and vehicle registration to your Colleyville address
- Gather your deed or closing statement, plus your current tax bill if available
- Collect identity and residency proof, such as Texas ID, utility bill, voter and vehicle registrations
- For age, disability, or veteran categories, gather the award letters or proof of age as required
- Download and complete the Tarrant Appraisal District homestead application
- Submit by April 30 and keep a copy of what you filed
- Watch for TAD’s approval or denial notice and save it with your records
Work with a local guide
Small mistakes can delay approval or cost you savings. If you are planning a move, downsizing, or buying your next home in Colleyville, it helps to align contract dates and occupancy with homestead rules. For thoughtful guidance in English or Spanish, and a plan tailored to your goals, connect with Martha Sanchez.
FAQs
What is a Texas homestead exemption for Colleyville homeowners?
- It reduces your home’s taxable value, which lowers your property taxes, and certain categories can add benefits like a school tax ceiling.
When do I need to own and occupy my Colleyville home to qualify?
- You must own and live in the home as your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year you want the exemption.
What is the filing deadline for Tarrant County homestead exemptions?
- Submit your initial application by April 30 for the exemption to apply to that tax year.
How do over‑65 exemptions affect school taxes in Colleyville?
- If you qualify and file, you may receive a school tax ceiling that limits increases to the school portion of your bill from that point forward.
I bought my Colleyville home after January 1. Can I get this year’s exemption?
- Usually no. Apply so the exemption is set for the next tax year, and keep your closing papers and updated IDs.
What documents does the Tarrant Appraisal District require?
- Expect proof of ownership, proof of primary residence tied to the property address, and additional documents for age, disability, veteran status, or surviving spouse eligibility.
What is the difference between a homestead exemption and an appraisal protest in Tarrant County?
- The exemption reduces taxable value, while a protest challenges your market value; they are separate processes with different deadlines.
