Bought a new home in Spicewood and want to lower your property tax bill? You are not alone. The Texas homestead exemption can reduce how much you owe, but the steps can feel confusing, especially since Spicewood straddles county lines. In this guide, you will learn who qualifies, how to file in Burnet County, how timing works, and what to expect on your tax bill. Let’s dive in.
What a homestead exemption does
A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence for the taxing units that grant it. Lower taxable value generally means lower property taxes for that portion of your bill. Each taxing unit, such as your school district or county, decides what exemption it provides and how it applies.
There are several categories of residence homestead exemptions. The most common is the standard residence homestead. There are also additional options for homeowners who are age 65 or older, disabled, or disabled veterans. The amounts and rules vary by taxing unit, so do not assume a single dollar figure applies across all of Spicewood.
Eligibility and timing basics
To qualify, your home must be your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year. If you did not own and occupy the property on January 1, you typically cannot receive that year’s exemption. In that case, plan to apply for the next tax year once you meet the January 1 requirement.
You will need a residence homestead application and proof that you own and occupy the home. A Texas driver’s license or Texas ID that shows the property address is commonly required. If your ID does not match the property address, you may need to update it or provide alternative evidence of residency as allowed by the local appraisal district.
Confirm your county first
Spicewood spans multiple counties and school districts. A Spicewood mailing address can be in Burnet County, Travis County, or another nearby county. Before you file, confirm which county appraisal district covers your parcel.
- Check your deed and closing documents for the county and appraisal district account number.
- Review any tax statements you received at closing.
- If you are unsure, contact the Burnet County Appraisal District or the Burnet County Tax Office for guidance. If your parcel is in a different county, you will file with that county’s appraisal district.
Burnet County filing steps
Get the right application
Use the Application for Residence Homestead Exemption. Burnet County Appraisal District can provide the local version or the standard state form. You can obtain it by contacting the appraisal district or downloading it from their website.
Complete and gather documents
Fill out the application completely and include required attachments. Typical items include the completed form, proof of ownership if requested, and a copy of your Texas driver’s license or Texas ID showing the homestead address. If the address on your ID does not match, follow instructions from the appraisal district on acceptable alternate proof, or update your ID to reflect your new address.
File by April 30
Submit your application to the Burnet County Appraisal District. Filing options usually include in person and by mail. Contact the district to confirm whether email or online submission is available. The general statewide deadline is April 30 to receive the exemption for that year, provided you owned and occupied the home on January 1.
Track confirmation
After filing, watch for confirmation from the appraisal district. You should see the exemption reflected on your next appraisal notice or in your online property record. Keep a copy of your application and any correspondence for your records.
If your home is not in Burnet County
If your Spicewood property is in Travis County or another county, file with that county’s appraisal district. The January 1 occupancy rule and the typical April 30 filing deadline are statewide. Processes and contact details vary by county, so follow the instructions provided by the appraisal district that covers your parcel.
How savings are calculated
Property taxes are the sum of what you owe to each taxing unit that serves your property. Here is the simple method:
The appraisal district sets a market value for your property.
The homestead exemption amounts adopted by each taxing unit are subtracted from that value to calculate your taxable value for that unit.
Each taxing unit applies its tax rate to that taxable value. Your total bill is the sum of all units’ taxes.
Here is an example to show the math. Assume an appraised value of $300,000. If a school district grants a $25,000 residence homestead exemption, the taxable value for school taxes becomes $275,000. If the school tax rate is 1.2%, the school tax would be 0.012 × $275,000 = $3,300. This is a simple illustration only. Actual exemption amounts and tax rates vary by taxing unit and by year.
School-district exemptions are often the most impactful because school taxes usually make up a large share of the bill. If you are age 65 or older or a disabled homeowner, you may qualify for additional exemptions and an appraisal “freeze” for the school portion. The freeze limits increases to school-district taxes, subject to exceptions for new improvements. Disabled veterans may qualify for significant additional exemptions based on disability rating and other criteria.
What the exemption does not do
A homestead exemption does not change your market value on the appraisal roll. It reduces the taxable portion of that value for the taxing units that grant the exemption. It also does not eliminate taxes unless a specific exemption applies that reduces a unit’s taxes to zero.
You cannot claim homestead on multiple properties. The exemption applies only to your principal residence. Also, an exemption does not prevent tax rate changes. Local taxing units set their budgets and rates each year, so your bill can still change even with an exemption in place.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Filing in the wrong county. Confirm whether your Spicewood property is in Burnet County or a neighboring county before you apply.
- Missing the April 30 deadline. If you qualify on January 1, file by April 30 to receive the exemption for that year.
- ID address mismatch. Make sure your Texas driver’s license or ID reflects the property address or include acceptable alternate proof per the appraisal district.
- Assuming it happens automatically. You must file your application with the appraisal district; your title company does not file it for you.
- Expecting a full tax freeze. Standard homestead exemptions reduce taxable value, but only age 65 or older and disabled homeowner exemptions typically trigger a school tax freeze, not a freeze for all taxing units.
Quick checklist for Spicewood homeowners
- Confirm which county appraisal district covers your parcel.
- Verify you owned and occupied the home on January 1.
- Obtain the Application for Residence Homestead Exemption from Burnet County Appraisal District if your property is in Burnet County.
- Complete the form and attach a copy of your Texas driver’s license or Texas ID showing the property address, plus any other requested proof.
- Submit your application by April 30 to receive the exemption for the current year if you met the January 1 occupancy rule.
- Keep copies and monitor your appraisal notice or online account for confirmation.
- If you are age 65 or older, disabled, or a disabled veteran, review and file for any additional exemptions and school tax freeze options available to you.
Where to get local help
- Burnet County Appraisal District: Primary office for exemption applications, forms, and account records for Burnet County parcels.
- Burnet County Tax Office: Questions about tax bills and payments once exemptions reflect on your account.
- Your title company or closing agent: Helpful for confirming your appraisal district account number and taxing units.
- Local school district: Information on school-district-specific exemptions and how any school tax freeze may apply.
The bottom line for Spicewood
If you owned and lived in your Spicewood home on January 1, filing a homestead exemption is one of the simplest ways to reduce your property tax burden. Start by confirming your county, then file the correct form with the right documents by April 30. Track your appraisal notices to confirm that your exemption is in place and review additional options if you qualify by age, disability, or veteran status.
If you want a second set of eyes on your closing paperwork or help navigating local steps, work with a local advocate who understands both real estate and the legal side of property taxes. Reach out to Eileen Depew for calm, clear guidance backed by attorney-level attention to detail.
FAQs
Who files a Texas homestead application?
- The homeowner files with the appraisal district for the county where the property is located. An authorized agent can file with proper documentation.
What if my driver’s license address is different?
- Texas requires a driver’s license or ID that shows the homestead address. Update your ID or provide acceptable alternate proof as directed by the appraisal district.
I moved in after January 1. Can I file now?
- Typically no. You must have owned and occupied the home on January 1 to receive that year’s exemption. Plan to file for the next tax year.
What is the Texas homestead deadline?
- The general filing deadline is April 30 of the tax year. File by April 30 if you met the January 1 occupancy rule.
Does my homestead transfer when I move?
- No. Exemptions are property-specific. You must apply again for your new primary residence. Special rules may apply to over-65 school tax freezes.
Will a homestead stop my taxes from rising?
- Not entirely. It reduces taxable value. Taxing units can adjust rates and budgets. Over-65 or disabled homeowner exemptions may freeze the school portion, not all taxes.
