Buying a home in Dallas, Fort Worth or the surrounding suburbs comes with a yearly bill that many new owners don't think about until it arrives: property taxes. Texas has no state property tax. Instead, local governments such as cities, counties, school districts and special districts set their own rates, and the appraisal district in each county sets the value those rates apply to. This guide walks through the two tools most homeowners use, the residence homestead exemption and the value protest, with the deadlines from the Texas Comptroller.
How the property tax calendar works
Each county's appraisal district values property as of January 1 every year. In North Texas that means the Dallas Central Appraisal District, Tarrant Appraisal District, Collin Central Appraisal District or Denton Central Appraisal District, depending on where the home sits. The appraisal district doesn't levy the tax. The governing body of each taxing unit decides how much it wants to raise and sets its rate.
In many counties the county tax assessor-collector collects the taxes for all local taxing units, with bills going out around October 1. Generally you have until January 31 of the following year to pay, and penalty and interest begin on most unpaid bills on February 1. When the bill arrives, check that it shows the exemptions you applied for.
The residence homestead exemption
A homestead exemption removes part of your home's value from taxation. To qualify, you need an ownership interest in the home and must use it as your principal residence, and you can't claim a homestead exemption on another home in or outside Texas. Second homes and rentals don't qualify.
According to the Comptroller, the main exemptions are:
- School districts: a required $140,000 exemption on a residence homestead.
- Age 65 or older, or disabled: an additional $60,000 school district exemption.
- Local option: any taxing unit may adopt an exemption of up to 20 percent of appraised value, but not less than $5,000.
- Counties: counties that collect farm-to-market road or flood control taxes must provide a $3,000 exemption.
Whether your city, county or other districts offer a local-option exemption depends on decisions each one makes, so your total savings will vary by address.
When and how to apply
You file Form 50-114, Application for Residence Homestead Exemption, with the appraisal district in your county, not with the Comptroller. The general deadline is before May 1 of the year you're requesting the exemption. Dallas Central Appraisal District notes that filing the homestead application with its office is free of charge, which is worth remembering if you get mail offering to file it for a fee.
Bought your home after January 1? The Comptroller explains that you may receive the general homestead exemption for the applicable part of that year as soon as you qualify, as long as the previous owner didn't receive the same exemption for that year. If you miss the deadline, Form 50-114 says a late application, including for age 65 or older or disabled, can be filed up to two years after the deadline. Once the exemption is granted, you generally don't need to reapply each year unless the chief appraiser asks you to.
The 10 percent homestead cap
Texas law limits how much the appraised value of a homestead can rise each year. Under Tax Code Section 23.23, the taxable appraised value can't go up more than 10 percent over the prior year's appraised value, plus the value of any new improvements, such as an addition. Ordinary repairs and maintenance don't count as new improvements.
The timing matters for new owners. The Comptroller says the limit takes effect on January 1 of the tax year after the year you first qualify for the homestead exemption. So in your first year, the appraisal district can set your home's value at full market value, and the cap protects you from the following year on.
How to protest your appraised value
The appraisal district may mail you a notice of appraised value. If you think the value is too high or the records are wrong, such as the square footage or the number of bathrooms, you can protest to the appraisal review board (ARB).
- Deadline: usually May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal district mailed your notice, whichever is later.
- How to file: Form 50-132, Property Owner's Notice of Protest, or any written notice that identifies the property, the owner and what you disagree with. Dallas Central Appraisal District, for example, also has an online protest system called uFILE.
- Informal review: you can ask to meet with the appraisal district before the hearing to try to settle the protest.
- Hearing: the ARB must give you at least 15 days' notice. You can appear in person, by phone or video, or by written affidavit.
The Comptroller is clear that you can't just say the value is wrong. Bring evidence, such as photos of your home and similar homes, repair estimates, your closing statement or other sales information, and any survey or engineering reports. If you miss the deadline, the ARB can allow a late protest only for good cause or in specific situations, so put the date on your calendar when the notice arrives.
Where to go next
Property taxes are part of the true cost of a home. When you compare homes, look up each one's appraised value and exemptions on its appraisal district website. For a snapshot of prices and inventory across the area, see our DFW housing market update for October 2026, or start a home search. If you're comparing homes in different counties, contact us and we can help you gather the details.
This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. Exemption amounts, rates and deadlines can change, so confirm the details with your county appraisal district, and talk with a tax professional or attorney about your situation.
Frequently asked questions
When should I file my homestead exemption after buying a home in DFW?
File Form 50-114 with your county appraisal district once the home is your principal residence. The general deadline is before May 1, and Form 50-114 allows a late application up to two years after the deadline.
Does the 10% homestead cap apply in my first year?
No. The Texas Comptroller says the cap takes effect on January 1 of the tax year after the year you first qualify for the homestead exemption.
What is the deadline to protest my appraisal in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin or Denton County?
Usually May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal district mailed your notice of appraised value, whichever is later.
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