Texas Protax Austin, Inc.

     
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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How does a Homestead exemption help with my taxes?

  2. Who qualifies for a Homestead exemption?

  3. What is a 10% Homestead capped value?

  4. Who qualifies for a Homestead school tax ceiling?

  5. Who qualifies for a Disability exemption?

  6. When does land qualify for Agricultural Use exemption?

  7. What is binding arbitration?

  8. How does a District Court Appeal work?


How does a Homestead exemption help with my taxes?

Example: A homestead exemption entitles you to a $15,000 reduction off the school taxes, which lowers your property taxes by lowering its taxable value. If your home is valued at $150,000 and you receive a $15,000 exemption off your school taxes, your home will be taxed as if it were worth $135,000 on the school taxes. In Travis County, a homeowner receives exemption amount of 20% of the total value.

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Who qualifies for a Homestead exemption?

If you own a home and use it as your primary residence by January 1, you can apply for a homestead exemption. The home can be a house, condominium or mobile home.

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What is a 10% Homestead capped value?

If you have a Homestead exemption, the appraisal district can not increase your assessed or taxable value more than 10% of the appraised value from the prior year.

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Who qualifies for a Homestead school tax ceiling?

When you turn 65 years old you can apply for the over-65 exemption, which includes the school tax freeze or ceiling. The school "freeze" means that the school taxes will never go above the frozen amount. The only exception is if improvements are made to the home; i.e. additional room, garage, pool. The ceiling will be adjusted to include the improvements.

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Who qualifies for a Disability exemption?

To qualify you must meet the Social Security definition for disabled as defined under the Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program administered by the Social Security Administration. This exemption also includes the school tax freeze or ceiling.

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When does land qualify for Agricultural Use exemption?

When the land is used exclusively for agriculture for five of the preceding seven years prior the current year.  Call us at 512-339-6671 for more information.

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Updated: 29-Apr-2006