If your property has more than one owner, it may affect how much of your home qualifies for a Residence Homestead Exemption. This article explains how that works and what you may need to do to obtain your exemption.
Why Does Ownership Matter?
In Texas, a Residence Homestead Exemption applies to a home that you own and live in as your primary residence.
When there are multiple owners on a property, it’s possible that not all owners live in the home or qualify for the exemption. In these cases, state law requires the exemption to be adjusted based on ownership.
How Is the Exemption Calculated?
If only one of the owners lives in the home and qualifies for the exemption, the exemption is applied only to that owner’s share of the property.
For example:
- If you own 50% of the home and qualify for the homestead exemption but the other owner does not live there and may claim an exemption elsewhere
- 50% of the exemption may apply to only 50% of the property value, not the full amount.
This requirement is based on Texas Property Tax Code Section 11.41(a).
Common Situations Where This Applies
This may apply if:
- A parent and child co-own a home, but only one lives there
- A property is jointly owned with someone who lives elsewhere
- An investor or non-occupying owner is listed on the deed
When This May Not Apply
In some situations, the full exemption may still apply, such as:
- If the only owners are spouses who live in the home as their primary residence
- If the property was inherited, depending on ownership and occupancy details
Additional documentation may be requested in these cases (such as a marriage certificate or supporting records).
What Do I Need to Do?
If your property has multiple owners:
- Complete any request forms provided by our office
- Submit your Residence Homestead Exemption application
- Supply a current Texas Driver’s License or Texas I.D. that matches the property for each owner that resides in the home
- Provide any additional documentation if requested
This helps us determine how the exemption should be applied correctly to your property.
Key Takeaway
If not all owners of a property live in the home, the homestead exemption may be adjusted based on ownership percentage, which can reduce the total exemption amount applied.
Need Help?
Please contact our office if you have questions about your ownership situation or how your exemption will be applied. We’re here to help!
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
Help Center: help.bcad.org
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