If you own a home in River Chase, saving on property taxes starts with understanding your homestead exemption. It can feel confusing, especially if you recently bought or you are planning a move within Georgetown. You will learn what qualifies as a homestead, how to file in Williamson County, key deadlines, and how this choice can protect you over time. Let’s dive in.
What the homestead exemption does
A residence homestead exemption lowers the taxable value of your primary home. Your appraised market value does not change, but the portion used to calculate taxes goes down. That typically means a lower annual bill and, if you qualify as over 65 or disabled, a school tax ceiling that can cap future school taxes. You can review the statewide basics in the Texas Comptroller’s homestead guide and local explanations on the Williamson County exemptions page.
Who qualifies in River Chase
Your home must meet the Texas definition of a residence homestead, which includes the structure and up to 20 acres you use for residential purposes. You must own and occupy the property as your principal residence, and you can claim only one homestead at a time. Texas uses a January 1 snapshot, so eligibility is generally based on ownership and occupancy on that date. See the statutory rules in the Texas Property Tax Code Section 11.13.
In Williamson County you typically file once for the general homestead. You do not reapply each year unless you move, add an exemption, or the appraisal district asks you to reverify. WCAD has confirmed periodic verification, so respond promptly to any letter or email request. WCAD’s online how‑to outlines the process for filing and updates on status checks (WCAD homestead filing guide).
Exemptions you can claim
Statewide school homestead
Texas requires a school‑district homestead exemption that reduces the value subject to school maintenance and operations taxes. Amounts were expanded in recent years, and lawmakers approved additional property tax relief in 2025. Some changes require a voter‑approved constitutional amendment in November 2025, so amounts may adjust after that vote. Track statewide updates through the Texas Comptroller’s overview and the Governor’s 2025 tax relief announcement.
Over‑65 and disabled person
If you qualify as over 65 or disabled, you can receive an additional school exemption. You may also receive a school tax ceiling that freezes school taxes at the level in the year you qualify. If you move within Texas, you can request a transfer of that ceiling to a new homestead under statutory rules. Williamson County explains these protections and transfers on its exemptions and tax deferral page.
Disabled veteran
Disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses may qualify for significant homestead relief, including full exemptions at specific VA disability ratings. Review documentation needs and eligibility in the Comptroller’s disabled veteran FAQ.
Local Williamson County relief
Beyond state rules, Williamson County has adopted local homestead relief measures that reduce county taxes for eligible homeowners. These are separate from school exemptions and can change by action of the Commissioners Court, so verify current county amounts with WCAD or the county site before you file.
How to file in Williamson County
Filing is straightforward when you gather the right documents and use the online portal.
- Where to apply: File with the Williamson Central Appraisal District. You can apply online using the state Form 50‑114 through the WCAD homestead filing guide.
- When to apply: The main window is January 1 through April 30 for that tax year. Late filings may be accepted in specific situations. WCAD lists timing and exceptions on its exemptions page.
- What to have ready: A Texas driver’s license or ID with your River Chase address, proof of ownership if requested, and any special documentation for over‑65, disabled person, or disabled veteran status. WCAD’s portal shows exactly what to upload.
- After approval: WCAD notifies the County Tax Office and updates flow into tax statements, which can take several weeks to appear. The county also processes school tax ceiling transfers when you request them. Learn more on the Williamson County page.
- One‑time filing and verification: You usually file once. If WCAD sends a verification letter, it does not automatically remove your exemption, but you should respond quickly. The process has been clarified publicly to reduce confusion, as noted in this local verification update.
Buying or selling in River Chase
- If you sell: The homestead status stays with the parcel for that tax year. Title and the tax office will handle prorations on closing statements. If you have an over‑65 or disabled school tax ceiling, you may be able to transfer it to your next Texas homestead. See county guidance on exemptions and transfers.
- If you buy: Plan to file your homestead application for the year you live in the home. Remember the January 1 snapshot for eligibility. If you purchased after January 1 and the prior owner did not claim a homestead that year, you may still receive it with a timely application. WCAD covers timing on its exemptions page.
- HOA note: Homestead exemptions reduce property taxes only, not HOA dues or neighborhood covenants. Your River Chase HOA assessments remain separate.
Appraisals and protests, step by step
Each spring WCAD mails a Notice of Appraised Value, usually in early April. The notice lists your value and shows which exemptions are applied. Review how the notice works in WCAD’s NOAV overview.
If you disagree with the value, you generally must protest by May 15 or within 30 days of the notice mail date, whichever is later. The Comptroller’s protest page explains your rights and timeline.
Here is a simple approach:
- Review the NOAV and confirm your exemptions are listed.
- Choose your protest basis, market value, description error, or unequal appraisal.
- File before the deadline, using WCAD’s portal or Form 50‑132.
- Request an informal meeting and, if needed, an ARB hearing.
- Prepare evidence, such as recent River Chase sales, photos, and repair estimates.
Quick checklist for River Chase homeowners
- Check your property record in WCAD and confirm current exemptions on your NOAV. Use the NOAV overview to review.
- If you live in the home and no homestead is shown, file the Residence Homestead Exemption online through the WCAD portal by April 30.
- If you are over 65 or disabled, apply for the additional exemption and ask about the school tax ceiling and transfer rules on the Williamson County page.
- If you are a disabled veteran, gather VA documents and review eligibility in the Comptroller’s disabled veteran FAQ.
- If your NOAV value seems high, note the deadline and read the Comptroller’s protest guidance before filing.
- Save your filing confirmation and any WCAD communications. Respond quickly to any verification request, as outlined in the local verification update.
Ready to make your River Chase ownership simpler and more strategic? For clear guidance around timing, paperwork, and the market context in Georgetown, reach out to Marion Lamantia.
FAQs
What is a Texas residence homestead and how does it lower taxes?
- It is your primary residence, structure plus up to 20 acres, and the exemption lowers taxable value, not market value, which can reduce your annual property tax bill.
Do I need to reapply for my homestead exemption each year in Williamson County?
- No, it is typically a one‑time filing unless you move, add exemptions, or WCAD asks you to verify eligibility.
What is the January 1 snapshot and why does it matter?
- Texas determines eligibility as of January 1, so ownership and occupancy on that date drive whether you can claim the exemption for that tax year.
Can I transfer my over‑65 or disabled school tax ceiling if I move?
- Yes, you can request a transfer of the school tax ceiling to a new Texas homestead under state rules through WCAD and the County Tax Office.
What if I miss the protest deadline on my Notice of Appraised Value?
- File as soon as you can and contact WCAD; late protests may be allowed for good cause in limited cases, but timelines are strict under state law.
