Fayette County Tax Bills Are Coming: Your 2026 Homestead Exemption Checklist
What Texas Gives You in 2026
General Residence Homestead: $140,000 off school taxes. Every Texas school district is required to give you $140,000 off your home’s taxable value if it was your primary residence as of January 1. Many counties, cities, and special districts add an optional exemption up to 20% on top.
Over-65 or Disabled: Another $60,000 off school value — total $200,000 off. It applies back to January 1 of the year you qualify.
Other exemptions: Disabled Veteran, surviving spouse, and house + up to 20 acres tied to your home.
What If You Missed the April 30 Deadline?
The standard deadline is April 30. But Texas Tax Code Sec. 11.431 says the chief appraiser shall accept a late homestead application up to 2 years after the delinquency date for the taxes. Delinquency is normally Feb. 1 of the following year. So for 2026 taxes, you can still file late into early 2029. There’s no penalty for late filing a homestead — your bill just goes out at full value until it’s corrected.
What Fayette County Homeowners Should Check Before Bills Go Out
Is your exemption showing? Go to fayettecad.org > Property Search > your address. Look for Homestead: Yes/No.
Was this your primary home on Jan 1? That’s the eligibility date.
Does your Texas ID match the address? Fayette CAD requires TX DL/ID with homestead address.
Did you have a life change? Turned 65, disability, VA rating change.
Mailing address and escrow: Check CAD shows correct mailing address.
New deed, name change, or trust? You may need a new application.
How to File in Fayette County
Form: Texas Form 50-114 – Application for Residence Homestead Exemption (free). Where: Fayette County Appraisal District – online, mail, or in person in La Grange. What you need: TX DL/ID with homestead address. Contact us: info@hartlandrealestate.com.
This is for general information only and not tax or legal advice. Check with Fayette CAD or your tax advisor.
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