To apply for a veteran tax exemption in Texas, you need to file an application with your county's appraisal district office. Texas offers property tax exemptions to qualifying veterans and their surviving spouses, reducing the appraised value of their homestead. The most common exemption removes a set dollar amount from your home's taxable value, with the amount depending on your disability rating assigned by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

What Is the Texas Veteran Property Tax Exemption?

Texas provides property tax relief to disabled veterans through a homestead exemption. Unlike a tax credit that reduces what you owe, a property tax exemption lowers the assessed value of your home. If your home is appraised at $200,000 and you qualify for a $100,000 exemption, you only pay property taxes on $100,000.

The exemption amount is tied to your VA disability rating. Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive a full exemption on their homestead's appraised value, meaning they pay no property taxes on their primary residence. Those with lower ratings receive partial exemptions.

Who Qualifies for the Veteran Tax Exemption in Texas?

You may qualify if you meet these conditions:

  • You are a veteran with a service-connected disability rated by the VA
  • You own and occupy a home in Texas as your primary residence (homestead)
  • You have a valid disability rating letter from the VA
  • You are a Texas resident

Surviving spouses of disabled veterans may also qualify. If the veteran was receiving the exemption at the time of death, the spouse can continue to receive it, provided the home remains their primary residence and they have not remarried.

Blind veterans qualify for additional considerations. If you're comparing exemptions across states, Massachusetts offers a separate blind veteran exemption with its own rules and application process.

How Much Can You Save on Your Texas Property Taxes?

The exemption amount depends on your VA disability rating:

  • 10% to 29% disability: $5,000 exemption from appraised value
  • 30% to 49% disability: $7,500 exemption
  • 50% to 69% disability: $10,000 exemption
  • 70% to 100% disability: $12,000 exemption
  • 100% disability: Total exemption (your home's full appraised value is exempt)

Veterans who lost a limb or sustained total blindness in service may also qualify for additional exemptions beyond their disability rating. If you received a special monthly compensation from the VA for loss of use of a limb, the exemption can be higher.

These amounts are set by the Texas Tax Code. Some states set different deduction amounts, such as Indiana's veteran property tax deduction, which uses a different calculation method altogether.

How Do You Apply? Step by Step

Step 1: Get Your VA Disability Rating Letter

Before you apply, you need your official disability rating letter from the VA. This letter states your disability percentage and confirms your service-connected condition. If you've lost your letter, you can request a new one through VA.gov or by visiting a regional VA office.

Step 2: Contact Your County Appraisal District

Each of Texas's 254 counties has its own appraisal district. Find yours through the Texas Comptroller's county directory. You can call or visit their office to request the application form. Many districts also have the form available for download on their website.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

The standard form is Form 50-135, "Application for Disabled Veteran's or Survivor's Exemption on Residence Homestead." Fill out your personal information, property details, and VA disability rating. Double-check that your name matches your VA letter exactly.

Step 4: Gather Your Supporting Documents

You will typically need:

  • Completed Form 50-135
  • VA disability rating letter
  • Texas driver's license or state ID showing your current homestead address
  • Proof of ownership (deed, closing statement, or mortgage statement)

Step 5: Submit Your Application

File the application with your county appraisal district. You can usually submit it in person, by mail, or sometimes online. The deadline is April 30 each year, but you can file as late as one year after the delinquency date (usually February 1 of the following year) for a late application on your current homestead.

Step 6: Wait for Approval

The appraisal district will review your documents. Once approved, the exemption applies to your property tax bill for that year. The exemption stays in place as long as you own and live in the home you generally do not need to reapply each year.

What If Your Disability Rating Changes?

If your VA rating increases, you can file a new application to receive the higher exemption amount. You'll need an updated VA letter showing the new rating. Contact your county appraisal district to find out if you need to file a completely new application or if they accept documentation to update your existing exemption.

This is similar to how other states handle rating changes, though the process varies. For example, veterans relocating from Texas to a state with senior-specific provisions like Delaware's senior veteran property tax exemption would need to follow that state's application process entirely.

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Application

  • Using the wrong address: Your ID must show your homestead address, not a previous address or a P.O. Box.
  • Missing the deadline: While late applications are possible, filing on time avoids complications.
  • Not filing a homestead exemption first: In Texas, you must have a general homestead exemption on file before the disabled veteran exemption applies. If you haven't filed for the standard homestead exemption, do that at the same time.
  • Submitting an expired VA letter: Make sure your disability rating letter is current and legible.
  • Forgetting to update after a move: If you buy a new home in Texas, you need to file a new application. The exemption does not transfer automatically.

Do You Need to Reapply Every Year?

No. Once approved, the exemption remains on your property for as long as you own and occupy it as your homestead. If you sell the home or move, the exemption is removed. If you buy a new home in Texas, you'll need to file a new application with your new county's appraisal district.

Can You Stack This Exemption With Others?

Yes. Texas allows disabled veterans to also claim the general homestead exemption, which currently removes $100,000 from your home's appraised value for school district taxes. You can also qualify for the over-65 exemption if applicable. These exemptions stack on top of the disabled veteran exemption.

Veterans who have received the Medal of Honor or certain other military decorations may qualify for additional state tax exemptions that go beyond standard disability-based relief.

What Happens If Your Application Is Denied?

You have the right to protest. File a protest with your county's Appraisal Review Board (ARB) before the deadline on your denial notice. Bring all supporting documents and your VA letter to the hearing. If the ARB rules against you, you can appeal to district court.

Quick Checklist Before You Apply

  • Confirm your VA disability rating letter is current and legible
  • Make sure your Texas driver's license or ID reflects your homestead address
  • Check that a general homestead exemption is already filed on your property
  • Download or request Form 50-135 from your county appraisal district
  • Note your county's filing deadline (April 30 for most districts)
  • Gather proof of property ownership
  • Submit your application before the deadline and keep a copy for your records

Next step: Visit your county appraisal district's website today to download Form 50-135 and confirm their specific submission instructions. If you don't have your VA disability rating letter on hand, request it now through VA.gov so you're ready to file without delays.