Property taxes add up quickly in Colleyville, and you should not leave easy savings on the table. If you live in your home as your primary residence, a Texas homestead exemption can lower the portion of your value that gets taxed. That means real money back in your pocket without changing your home’s appraised value. In this guide, you will learn what the exemption is, who qualifies, how it affects your bill, and exactly how to file in Tarrant County. Let’s dive in.
What a homestead exemption does
A residence homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary home. It does not change your appraised value. Lower taxable value typically means a lower property tax bill across the taxing units that apply to your address.
In Colleyville, the Tarrant Appraisal District, or TAD, processes applications and maintains property records. The Tarrant County Tax Office handles billing and collections once values and exemptions are set. For a clear state overview, review the Texas Comptroller’s guidance on the residence homestead exemption, and use TAD’s Exemptions page for local steps and forms.
Some exemption types also include a tax ceiling for certain homeowners. If you qualify as over 65 or disabled, the school district portion of your taxes is typically frozen at the amount you paid the first year you receive that exemption.
Who qualifies in Colleyville
To receive the general residence homestead exemption for a tax year, you must both own and occupy the property as your principal residence on Jan. 1 of that year. The exemption applies to a single primary residence. You cannot claim homestead on more than one property.
Optional exemptions can vary by taxing unit, such as the school district, city, county, or special districts. TAD posts which units grant which exemptions. Before filing, search your address on TAD’s Property Search to see current exemptions, appraised value, and your taxing units.
Extra exemptions and tax ceilings
If you are age 65 or older, or you are a disabled homeowner, you may qualify for additional exemptions and a school tax ceiling. Once approved, the school portion of your tax bill is typically frozen at the amount paid the first year of qualification. Other taxing units can still change based on their rates or voter-approved bonds.
Disabled veterans may qualify for significant exemptions that vary with disability rating. In some cases, the exemption can be complete. Surviving spouses of certain veterans and of over‑65 or disabled homeowners may also be eligible under specific conditions. These programs require documentation. Start with TAD’s Exemptions page to review local requirements and forms.
How it changes your tax bill
Your bill is calculated by subtracting exemptions from your appraised value, then applying the combined tax rate for your taxing units.
Example for illustration:
- Appraised value: 400,000 dollars
- Residence homestead exemption: 40,000 dollars
- Taxable value: 360,000 dollars
- If your combined tax rate is 2.5 percent, your annual tax would be 9,000 dollars
- Without the exemption, taxes would be 10,000 dollars, so the exemption saves 1,000 dollars
Your exact savings depend on the exemption amounts your taxing units provide and your combined rate. Use TAD’s Property Search to confirm taxable value and check rates for your units.
How and when to file in Tarrant County
Step-by-step filing
Confirm eligibility. You must own and occupy the home as your principal residence on Jan. 1 to receive the exemption for that tax year.
Review local guidance. Visit TAD’s Exemptions page to understand available exemptions and filing options.
Look up your property. Use TAD’s Property Search to confirm your appraised value, taxing units, and any current exemptions.
Gather documents. Complete the residence homestead application and collect required identification. See the checklist below.
File by April 30. Submit your application to TAD by April 30 of the tax year. TAD may offer online services through its forms and e‑services listed on the Exemptions page.
Track approval. TAD may request additional proof. Once approved, your exemption typically renews automatically each year unless you move or your status changes.
Monitor your bill. The Tarrant County Tax Office posts billing information and accepts payments. Visit the Tarrant County Tax Office for payment details.
Documents checklist
- Completed TAD residence homestead application
- Proof of identity and address: a valid Texas photo ID showing the homestead address
- Proof of ownership if requested: deed or closing documents
- For special exemptions: supporting documents such as proof of age, disability award letters, or VA documentation for disabled veteran exemptions
Buyer and seller timing
- Jan. 1 matters. To receive the exemption for that year, you must own and occupy the home on Jan. 1.
- Filing deadline. File with TAD by April 30 of the tax year if you meet the Jan. 1 rule.
- Closed after Jan. 1. If you bought in March, for example, you generally apply for the next tax year.
- After approval. The exemption appears on TAD records and is reflected in future tax bills.
- Selling your home. Your exemption stays with the property record until the new owner applies. Buyers must file their own homestead application after closing and occupying.
Avoid common pitfalls
Missing the Jan. 1 rule. Occupancy and ownership on Jan. 1 are key for that year’s exemption.
Waiting past April 30. File by the deadline to secure benefits for that tax year. If you miss it, contact TAD about your options.
Claiming more than one homestead. Texas allows only one principal residence exemption per owner.
Not updating after a move. When you change your primary residence, apply for a new exemption at the new address.
Local resources
- Review exemptions and file: TAD’s Exemptions page
- Verify appraised value and taxing units: TAD Property Search
- Learn state rules and documentation: Texas Comptroller’s residence homestead overview
- Billing and payment details: Tarrant County Tax Office
Plan your next move with confidence
If you are buying or selling in Colleyville, timing your homestead exemption can help you forecast your tax bill and plan your cash flow. A clear filing strategy also supports smoother closings and fewer surprises when bills arrive. If you would like a local expert to help you align your purchase or sale with key dates and market timing, connect with Sarah Gunnip for tailored guidance. Request a complimentary home valuation and tailored marketing plan.
FAQs
Can I get a Colleyville homestead exemption if I bought after Jan. 1?
- Generally no. You must own and occupy the home on Jan. 1 to receive the exemption for that tax year, so most buyers who close after Jan. 1 apply for the next year.
What happens if I miss the April 30 filing deadline in Tarrant County?
- You can still apply, but the exemption may not be applied retroactively for that tax year. Contact TAD for specifics and any available exceptions.
Will turning 65 freeze all my Colleyville property taxes?
- The school district portion is typically frozen when you qualify for the over‑65 exemption. Other taxing units may change based on their rates or voter-approved bonds.
Do I need to reapply for my Tarrant County homestead exemption every year?
- No. Once approved, your exemption usually continues automatically unless you move or your ownership status changes. Special exemptions may require updated documentation.
As a seller in Colleyville, does my homestead exemption transfer to the buyer?
- No. The buyer must apply for their own homestead exemption with TAD after closing and occupying the property.
Where can I confirm my Colleyville address, appraised value, and current exemptions?
- Use TAD’s online Property Search to review your address, values, taxing units, and any exemptions on file.
