Texas property tax exemptions for disabled veterans
The amounts by VA rating, the total homestead exemption at 100%, which form to use, and how far back you can claim.
Texas exempts $5,000 to $12,000 of one property’s value for a disabled veteran based on the VA rating (Tax Code §11.22, Form 50-135). A veteran rated 100% disabled or individually unemployable from a service-connected disability pays no property tax on the residence homestead (§11.131, Form 50-114). Veterans can file late up to 5 years after the delinquency date (§11.439).
Amounts by rating
| VA disability rating | Value exempted |
|---|---|
| 10% to 29% | $5,000 |
| 30% to 49% | $7,500 |
| 50% to 69% | $10,000 |
| 70% to 100% | $12,000 |
| Age 65+ with at least 10%, totally blind in one or both eyes, or loss of use of one or more limbs | $12,000 |
| 100% disabled or individually unemployable (service-connected) | Total exemption of the homestead (§11.131) |
The partial exemption under §11.22 applies to one property of your choice and is subtracted from its value for every taxing unit. If you qualify under more than one line, you receive the largest one.
The 100% total exemption
Under §11.131, a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability rating, or rated individually unemployable, receives a total exemption of the residence homestead. Claim it on Form 50-114 with your VA documentation. It can begin as soon as you qualify, even after January 1, for the rest of that year (§11.42(e)).
An unremarried surviving spouse can continue the total exemption if the home was the couple’s homestead when the veteran died and remains the spouse’s homestead.
Claiming past years
Section 11.439 accepts late applications for §§11.22, 11.131 and 11.132 up to 5 years after the delinquency date. Refunds include the matching share of penalties and interest you paid. This longer window does not cover surviving spouses.
| Tax year | Regular deadline | Homestead late deadline (§11.431) | Disabled veteran late deadline (§11.439) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | April 30, 2021 | February 1, 2024 | February 1, 2027 |
| 2022 | April 30, 2022 | February 1, 2025 | February 1, 2028 |
| 2023 | April 30, 2023 | February 1, 2026 | February 1, 2029 |
| 2024 | April 30, 2024 | February 1, 2027 | February 1, 2030 |
| 2025 | April 30, 2025 | February 1, 2028 | February 1, 2031 |
| 2026 | April 30, 2026 | February 1, 2029 | February 1, 2032 |
| 2027 | April 30, 2027 | February 1, 2030 | February 1, 2033 |
If the delinquency date for a year moved (for example, because the bill was mailed late), the late window moves with it. Your tax statement shows the delinquency date.
Other exemptions for veterans’ families
- Donated homestead of a partially disabled veteran (§11.132).
- Surviving spouse of a service member killed in the line of duty (§11.133).
- Surviving spouse of a veteran who died from a qualifying condition or disease (§11.136).
These are claimed on Form 50-114.
Not sure what your record shows? The free check reads your county record with you, applies the rules on this page, and shows any back-year refunds and yearly savings. If you are already covered, it says so.
Run the free 3-minute checkCommon questions
How much is the disabled veteran property tax exemption in Texas?
10% to 29%: $5,000; 30% to 49%: $7,500; 50% to 69%: $10,000; 70% to 100%: $12,000. $12,000 applies at age 65 with at least 10%, or for total blindness in one or both eyes or loss of use of a limb. At 100% or individual unemployability, the homestead is fully exempt.
How far back can a disabled veteran claim a property tax exemption in Texas?
Up to 5 years after the delinquency date for each tax year, under Tax Code §11.439.
Does individual unemployability count as 100% for Texas property tax?
Yes. A veteran rated individually unemployable for a service-connected disability qualifies for the total homestead exemption under Tax Code §11.131.
Related guides
- Filed late? How to get back years of homestead savingsForgot to file? Texas accepts late homestead applications up to 2 years after the delinquency date (5 for disabled veterans) and refunds taxes paid. Dates by year.
- The Texas homestead exemption, explainedHow the Texas homestead exemption works: $140,000 off school taxes, $60,000 more at 65+ or disabled, who qualifies, how to file free, and late refunds.
- How to file a homestead exemption in TexasStep-by-step: how to file a Texas homestead exemption on Form 50-114, what ID and documents to include, online filing, how to check approval. Filing is free.
Sources
- Property Tax Exemptions — Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts — Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
- Texas Tax Code, Chapter 11 (Taxable Property and Exemptions) — Texas Legislature
- Form 50-135, Disabled Veteran's or Survivor's Exemption Application — Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
- Form 50-114, Application for Residence Homestead Exemption — Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
ExemptBack is private self-help software, not a government service, law firm, or property tax consultant. This guide is general information about Texas law, not legal advice. Your appraisal district decides every application.