The exemptions outlined in this section are collectively considered “Residence Homestead” exemptions.  See below for details regarding each exemption and to check your eligibility.  The amount your annual property tax is reduced will vary depending on: the type of exemption, value of your property, and where it is located in the county.  Click here for more information regarding Texas property exemptions.

General Residence Homestead Exemption

This is the most common exemption claimed as it has few restrictions. The primary requirements are that you:

1. Complete the application process.*
2.  Own the property as of January 1st in the year in which you apply.
3.  Occupy the property as your primary residence as of January 1st in the year in which you apply.
4.  Verify that the applicant does not claim an exemption on another residence homestead in or outside of Texas.
5. Provide a copy of the your driver’s license or state identification card. A chief appraiser is prohibited by law from allowing a homestead exemption unless the address on the identification provided corresponds to the physical address of the property for which the exemption is to be applied.

There’s an application process for receiving the exemption. For a copy of the application click here.

Disabled Person Exemption

This exemption is available to those homeowners who are recognized as being disabled by the Social Security Administration. In addition to the meeting the criteria for the General Residence Homestead Exemption, stated above, the property owner must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete the application process.*
2. Own the property in the year in which you apply.
3. Occupy the property as your primary residence in the year in which you apply.
4. Provide a letter from the the Social Security Administration stating the date at which you became disabled. 
5. Provide a copy of the your driver’s license or state identification card. A chief appraiser is prohibited by law from allowing a homestead exemption unless the address on the identification provided corresponds to the physical address of the property for which the exemption is to be applied.
6. Complete the Application Process.

There’s an application process for receiving the exemption. For a copy of the application click here.

Age 65 or Older Exemption

This exemption is available to those homeowners who are 65 years of age or older. In order to qualify for this exemption, the property owner needs to meet the following requirements:

1. Complete the application process.*
2. Own the property in the year in which you apply.
3. Occupy the property as your primary residence in the year in which you apply.
4. Be 65 years of age or older.
5. Provide a copy of the your driver’s license or state identification card. A chief appraiser is prohibited by law from allowing a homestead exemption unless the address on the identification provided corresponds to the physical address of the property for which the exemption is to be applied.
6. Complete the application process

 There’s an application process for receiving the exemption. For a copy of the application click here.

100% Disabled Veteran’s Exemption

In order to qualify for this exemption, the property owner needs to meet the following requirements:

1. Complete the application process.**
2. Own the property in the year in which you apply.
3. Provide a copy of the your driver’s license or state identification card. A chief appraiser is prohibited by law from allowing a homestead exemption unless the address on the identification provided corresponds to the physical address of the property for which the exemption is to be applied.
4. Occupy the property as your primary residence in the year in which you apply.
5. Be recognized as disabled by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
6. Must receive a 100% disability compensation.
7. In addition to requirements 1-6, you must satisfy one of the requirements below:

          a. You must be recognized by the VA as having a rating of 100% disabled -or-
          b. You must receive a rating of individual unemployability.

 There’s an application process for receiving the exemption. For a copy of the application click here.

Surviving Spouse of a 100% Disabled Veteran

 In order to qualify for this exemption, the property owner needs to meet the following requirements:

1. Complete the application process.**
2. The surviving spouse must own the property in the year in which they apply.
3. Provide a copy of the your driver’s license or state identification card. A chief appraiser is prohibited by law from allowing a homestead exemption unless the address on the identification provided corresponds to the physical address of the property for which the exemption is to be applied.
4. The surviving spouse must occupy the property as their primary residence in the year in which they apply.
5. The surviving spouse must not have remarried.
6. The deceased spouse must have been owning and occupying the property as their primary residence at the time of their death.*
7. The deceased spouse must have been recognized as disabled by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
8. The deceased spouse must have been receiving a 100% disability compensation at the time of their death.
9. In addition to requirements 1-8, the deceased disabled veteran must have satisfied one of the requirements below:

          a. They must have been recognized by the VA as having a rating of 100% disabled -or-
          b. They must have been receiving a rating of individual unemployability.

 There’s an application process for receiving the exemption. For a copy of the application click here.

*If you wish to transfer your school tax percentages from your old county to Brazoria County, you will need to provide a Tax Ceiling Certificate (aka Portability Certificate), from your prior county’s appraisal district. 

**If you wish transfer your 100% Disabled Veteran Exemption from your old county to Brazoria County, you will need provide an Exemption Proration Letter from your prior county’s appraisal district. 

SPECIAL NOTICE: This page is intended as a “general purpose” guide to help you apply for exemptions in which you qualify. Your situation may fall outside the scope and limitations of this guide and, therefore, may  be subject to additional requirements. Please contact our office directly for instructions that most appropriately relate to your particular situation. Following the steps on this page IS NOT A GUARANTEE OF EXEMPTION APPROVAL. ALL APPLICATIONS AND ATTACHMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH BY THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE.