Most New Braunfels Homeowners Miss This Property Tax Break (Don’t Be One of Them)

Every year, Texas homeowners leave money on the table simply because they forget to file their homestead exemption.

If you recently bought a home in New Braunfels or you’ve owned for years and never checked, this could mean real property tax savings you’re missing out on.

The good news? Filing is simple once you know the rules.

Homestead Exemption New Braunfels: What It Is and Why It Matters

A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, which can lower your annual property tax bill.

In Texas, the general residence homestead exemption currently reduces the school district portion of your home’s taxable value by $140,000 for qualifying homeowners. For many New Braunfels homeowners, that can translate into meaningful yearly savings.

Key point: This exemption only applies to your primary residence, not rental or investment properties.

Homestead Exemption New Braunfels: Who Qualifies

You may qualify for a homestead exemption in New Braunfels if:

• You own the home

• The home is your primary residence

• Your driver’s license address matches the property address

• You moved in and established residency

If your situation checks these boxes, you should strongly consider filing.

Types of Homestead Exemptions Available in Texas

Texas offers several homestead related exemptions depending on your situation.

• General Residence Homestead

  Reduces taxable value by $140,000 for school taxes for qualifying homeowners.

• Over-65 Exemption

  Provides an additional $10,000 school tax exemption for qualifying seniors.

• Disability Exemption

  Available for homeowners who meet disability qualifications.

Important: You cannot combine the Over-65 and Disability exemptions; you receive whichever provides the greater benefit.

• Disabled Veteran Exemption

  Veterans with a 100% disability rating (or their qualifying surviving spouse) may receive a full property tax exemption on their residence homestead.

• Surviving Spouse of First Responder

  Qualifying surviving spouses of first responders may also receive a homestead-related exemption.

  
  

Comal County ISD Additional Homestead Benefit

If your home is located within Comal County ISD, you may qualify for an additional 20 percent homestead exemption on the school district portion of your taxes.

Because boundaries and eligibility matter, always verify with the Comal Appraisal District for your specific property. If you are in another county but still in Comal ISD you only need to apply with your county. They will then submit the info to Comal to get the additional 20% exemption.

How to Apply for Homestead Exemption in New Braunfels

Homeowners in Comal County and Guadalupe County have two main ways to apply.

Option 1: Apply Online

You can submit your homestead application through your county appraisal district website.

Option 2: Apply In Person

You may also walk into your local appraisal district office and file directly.

Important requirement: Your Texas driver’s license must reflect the homestead property address at the time of approval. Approval takes approximately 90 days. My advice is to apply for homestead and new license on the same day to ensure you have this by the time of homestead approval.

When to File Your Homestead Exemption?

The best time to apply is as soon as possible after closing once the home becomes your primary residence.

In Texas:

• You can typically file starting January 1• The standard deadline is April 30• Late filing may still be possible in some cases.

Once approved, the appraisal district will send you a notification letter confirming your homestead exemption.

Common Homestead Questions New Braunfels Homeowners Ask

When should I file my homestead exemption in New Braunfels?

You should file as soon as your home becomes your primary residence after closing and your driver’s license matches the property address.

Can I claim a homestead on more than one property?

No. Texas law allows only one residence homestead per homeowner.

Does the homestead exemption apply to rental properties?

No. Homestead exemptions apply only to owner-occupied primary residences.

Don’t Leave Property Tax Savings on the Table

For many homeowners in New Braunfels, the homestead exemption is one of the easiest ways to reduce property taxes yet it’s often overlooked.

If you recently purchased, moved, or just aren’t sure whether you filed, now is a good time to double-check your status.

Whether you're thinking about buying or selling in New Braunfels, I would love to be your real estate resource of choice.

Email to get started: conniev.realtor@gmail.com

Call or text: 830-237-2686

Connie Villanueva, REALTOR®

Turning Keys Texas | MAG Real Estate

New Braunfels • Seguin • Canyon Lake

📧 conniev.realtor@gmail.com