Owning a home in Montserrat comes with plenty to manage, and property taxes are near the top of the list. If you have not filed your homestead or other exemptions, you could be paying more than you need to. In this guide, you will learn what the homestead exemption does, which exemptions you may qualify for, how to apply with the Tarrant Appraisal District, and what deadlines and changes to watch. Let’s dive in.
Homestead basics in Texas
A homestead exemption removes part of your home’s appraised value from taxation, which lowers the taxable value used by local taxing units. In Tarrant County, the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) administers exemptions and records them to your property account. Beyond reducing taxable value, a homestead also triggers a 10 percent cap on annual increases used for school taxes, and seniors or qualifying disabled homeowners can receive a tax ceiling on school taxes. You can review the exemption overview on TAD’s site for details and forms at the TAD Homestead Exemption page.
Exemption types for Montserrat owners
Residence homestead exemption
For school taxes, Texas provides a large fixed-dollar residence homestead exemption. The $100,000 level was codified previously, and the Legislature has considered further increases, subject to voter action. Some local taxing units can also adopt optional exemptions, often a percentage up to 20 percent with a minimum dollar amount, which vary by jurisdiction. Check the specific taxing units that apply to your Montserrat property before you estimate savings.
Over‑65 and disabled‑person exemptions
If you are 65 or older, or you qualify as disabled under Social Security standards, you may receive an additional exemption and a tax ceiling for school taxes. Some taxing units may also adopt a ceiling for their portions of the bill. These provisions can add stability to your long‑term tax planning.
Disabled‑veteran exemptions
Texas provides graduated partial exemptions based on VA disability ratings, and a full exemption for veterans with a 100 percent service‑connected rating. Certain surviving spouses can qualify under defined conditions. Applications are filed with TAD and require VA documentation.
Other specialized exemptions
Texas law also provides exemptions for surviving spouses of certain deceased service members or first responders, and for donated residences to partially disabled veterans. Each exemption has specific documentation requirements and rules. TAD’s forms page lists what to provide.
How to apply with TAD
Where to file
File your application with the Tarrant Appraisal District. TAD accepts online applications, by mail, or in person. TAD launched an updated online homestead application in 2025 for a faster experience.
What you need to submit
Provide a copy of your Texas driver’s license or state ID with the same address as the property. Special exemptions require additional documents, such as a VA award letter for disabled‑veteran exemptions or disability documentation for the disabled‑person exemption. TAD’s forms and instructions list the exact items to include.
Key deadlines and late filings
Tarrant County’s standard deadline to file exemption applications is April 30. If you buy and occupy a home mid‑year, you may still be eligible for that year, depending on prior exemptions and timing. If you miss the window, contact TAD anyway, since late applications can sometimes apply to the current or next year based on your situation.
How exemptions lower your bill
Taxable value equals your appraised value minus exemptions. Your tax bill equals the taxable value multiplied by each taxing unit’s rate. The residence homestead exemption reduces the portion of value used to calculate your school taxes, and any optional local exemptions reduce the value for those specific taxing units. The homestead cap limits how much your appraised value used for school taxes can rise from one year to the next, which helps smooth out spikes.
A quick example
Suppose your Montserrat home is appraised at $1,500,000. If you qualify for the residence homestead exemption for school taxes, your school‑taxable value would be reduced by the current fixed‑dollar amount in law. If your city or another taxing unit also provides an optional percentage exemption, that portion of your taxable value would drop further for that unit. To see your parcel’s taxing units and rates, use TAD’s online resources and the Tarrant County tax office pages linked from TAD.
What could change in 2026
Texas increased the statewide school homestead exemption in recent years, and lawmakers considered additional increases in 2025. Several constitutional amendment propositions related to homestead exemptions appeared on the November 4, 2025 ballot. The outcome of that vote, along with any follow‑on legislation, will determine exemption amounts for the 2026 tax year and beyond. For the most current figures, check TAD and official state sources.
Quick checklist for Montserrat homeowners
- Verify your property is within Tarrant Appraisal District’s boundaries, then use TAD’s online homestead application or print the form.
- File for the residence homestead exemption and include a Texas driver’s license or state ID that matches your home address.
- Review and apply for any additional exemptions that fit your situation, such as over‑65, disabled person, disabled veteran, or qualifying surviving spouse. Include all required documentation.
- Calendar April 30 as the typical filing deadline, and contact TAD promptly if you purchase mid‑year or miss the window.
- Use TAD and the Tarrant County tax office pages linked from TAD to review parcel‑specific taxing units, rates, and your estimated bill.
If you want a second set of eyes on timing, resale implications, or how exemptions interact with your next move in Montserrat, reach out to the local team that lives and works these streets every day. Contact John Zimmerman for discreet guidance and market‑savvy representation.
FAQs
Do I get a homestead exemption automatically when I buy?
- No. You must apply with the appraisal district. For a mid‑year purchase, eligibility can depend on whether the prior owner had an exemption, so contact TAD for guidance. See the TAD Homestead Exemption page.
What if my driver’s license does not match my home address?
- TAD requires a Texas driver’s license or personal ID that matches the property address for the standard homestead exemption. Update your ID or provide acceptable documentation listed on the TAD Homestead Exemption page.
I just turned 65. Will my property taxes be frozen?
- Qualifying over‑65 homeowners receive an additional exemption and a school tax ceiling, and some local taxing units may adopt a ceiling for their portions. Check TAD for the forms and steps to apply at the TAD Homestead Exemption page.
How do disabled‑veteran exemptions work?
- Texas offers partial exemptions based on VA disability ratings and a full exemption for 100 percent service‑connected disabled veterans, with specific rules for surviving spouses. See the Texas Comptroller’s FAQs and file with TAD.
Where can I find my property’s taxing units and rates?
