Moved here just before New Year; question about property tax values
Posted by tengris22@reddit | Dallas | View on Reddit | 13 comments
^(This question is sparked by a different property tax question I saw, but I don't want to clutter up their question.)
^(Husband and I purchased a home in Dallas County on 12/23/25. We made sure to be moved permanently in time to qualify for the homestead exemption on 01/01/2026. In addition, we are both over 65. I don't think it makes any difference that the previous owners were also eligible for both homestead and over-65 exemptions, but just in case, I'm mentioning it.)
^(So as soon as we got our driver licenses, we applied for the two exemptions, by mail, to make sure everything was included (house is titled in a revocable trust, so I added those papers).)
^(This week or maybe last week, we received property valuation statements, as I "assume" most people did. It made no mention of any exemptions. Looking on the DCAD right this minute, under exemptions, I see "No Exemptions." My question is: the dispute deadline is coming up on the 15th of May, IIRC. Do I need to be concerned about missing out on these exemptions if this isn't settled OR DISPUTED by May 15th?)
^(Your thoughts are appreciated.)
Adorable-Amoeba2161@reddit
I went through something similar timing-wise and it’s confusing at first. From what I understand the exemption processing and the protest deadline are kind of separate tracks. Even if the exemption hasn’t shown up yet, it can still get applied later and adjusted on the back end once it’s approved
The May deadline is more about disputing the value itself, not the exemption status. So the main question is whether the value looks right to you, not whether the exemption is already reflected
tengris22@reddit (OP)
Gotcha, thanks! I was indeed surprised to see the valuation come in at a little bit above what we paid for the house, but not a whole lot. But, the last thing the seller did before we changed hands was to 1) reduce the selling price (they had been on the market for a while) and they had to put an expensive new roof on it.
rawneett@reddit
your exemptions and the protest deadline are seperate things so don't stress about one affecting the other if the exemption takes too long you can always protest the valuation independently i used Resolute for my dallas county protest and saved a decent chunk
tengris22@reddit (OP)
Thank you!
DutchDallas@reddit
Contact DCAD but it won't be effective for you until next year regardless. Once a house sells, any existing exemptions are gone and you will be taxed over the new appraisal value.
tengris22@reddit (OP)
Well, of course I don't get THEIR exemptions. But I intend to get OUR exemptions. And according to the information I read, could be wrong, if we are legal residents as of 01/01/2026, then our taxes for this year will be subject to the exemptions that we qualify for and that we have applied for.
YaGetSkeeted0n@reddit
Yep, you should qualify for it for 2026. I got that fun little thing when I moved last year.
tengris22@reddit (OP)
Back in the olden days, we stayed put, and honestly I don't even remember it being that bad previously. I mean, yes, taxes were high, but I don't remember ever having a deal about paying all that extra for the previous year, when we weren't even there!
Electrical_Long_4222@reddit
As others have said, call DCAD. They're extremely helpful with all these questions. When I first filed my exemption I had missing info on the form and wasn't notified. I called them directly and got it sorted out that day.
You can also check the DCAD website and search for your current appraisal. On the form for your property there will be a note whether the exemption is in place or not.
Regardless, you will get the exemption and any tax savings owed you up to like 2 years post-sale, so you've got some time to resolve the issue if there is one.
tengris22@reddit (OP)
Thank you! Since my application has only been there 30 days, I'm going to wait a bit and see if it gets handled naturally, and then I'll call if necessary. Also, yes I did check the website just today, so I know how to look that up (so far, no exemption).
rsuess14@reddit
The exemptions don't have a due date like the appraisal dispute. As long as they are applied and retroactive by the time you pay your tax bill, you'll be okay.
tengris22@reddit (OP)
Ok, thank you! I appreciate that!
KarmaLeon_8787@reddit
I'd call DCAD directly and ask them. They are usually friendly and helpful.