Homestead Audit Verification

Effective September 1, 2023, the Texas Legislature (88th Legislative Session) enacted Texas Property Tax Code §11.43(h-1). This law requires each county appraisal district to review residential properties receiving a Homestead Exemption at least once every five years to confirm the property still qualifies as the owner’s primary residence.

What This Means for Property Owners

Beginning in 2024, property owners whose homestead exemptions have not yet been verified may receive a Homestead Audit Verification Letter from their county appraisal district. Each year, approximately one-fifth of the unverified accounts will be selected for review. This process follows a five-year cycle, after which the review cycle begins again.

Receiving a verification letter does not mean your exemption has been denied—it simply means the appraisal district needs confirmation that the property is still your primary residence.

What You Must Provide

If the property is still your primary residence, you must sign and return the Homestead audit letter and provide the requested documentation.

You will need to submit:

• A copy of your current Texas Driver’s License or Texas Identification Card
• The address on the ID must match the address of the property receiving the homestead exemption

Active-Duty Military Members or Their Spouses

If you reside in the home and are an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or the spouse of an active-duty member, you may provide the following instead of a Texas Driver’s License:

• A copy of an Active-Duty Military Identification Card (yours or your spouse’s), and
• A recent utility bill for the homestead property, in the applicant’s name

Peace Officers With Confidential License Addresses

If you reside in the home and are a peace officer holding a Texas Driver’s License issued under Transportation Code §§521.121 or 521.1211, and the address on your license does not match the homestead property, you must submit:

• A copy of the most recent application filed with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for that license
(Note: A DPS open records request is often required to obtain this document.)

Response Deadline and Important Notice

To continue receiving your homestead exemption(s), you must:

• Complete and return the affirmation letter, and
• Include the required documentation
within 30 days of the date on the audit letter.

Failure to respond by the deadline will result in the removal of your homestead exemption(s), which will increase your property taxes.

Questions? Please contact our office for any assistance needed.

Contact Information:
Bexar Central Appraisal District
411 N Frio St
PO Box 830248
San Antonio, TX 78283-0248
Phone: 210-242-2432
Fax: 210-242-2454 or 210-242-2453