Bought a home in Frisco and not sure which county handles your homestead exemption? You are not alone. With neighborhoods crossing Collin and Denton county lines, the process can feel confusing. This guide explains the rules in plain language, shows the differences between Collin and Denton, and walks you through filing by the April 30 deadline. You will also learn how to estimate your savings so you can budget with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Homestead basics you should know

A residence homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your principal home for property tax purposes. Lower taxable value means a lower property tax bill from your school district, city, county and special districts.

Key eligibility points:

• You must own and occupy the home as your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year.
• You may claim only one residence homestead exemption.
• You must apply with the appraisal district in the county where the home sits.
• The typical filing deadline for the current year is April 30.

If you bought and moved in before January 1, file by April 30 to get the exemption for that year. If you moved in after January 1, you usually file for the next year. For statewide guidance and forms, review the Texas Comptroller’s page on property tax and homestead exemptions.

Collin vs. Denton: What changes?

Both Collin Central Appraisal District and Denton Central Appraisal District administer the homestead exemption according to Texas law. The core rules are the same. What varies are the forms, online options and submission details.

• Collin County homeowners should start on the Collin Central Appraisal District website. From there, navigate to the exemptions or homestead section to view current forms, ID requirements and how to submit.
• Denton County homeowners should start on the Denton Central Appraisal District website. Use the exemptions or homestead section for current forms and instructions.

If you live in Frisco, your address could be in either county. Check your closing documents or search your parcel on the correct CAD site to confirm the county and the taxing entities tied to your property.

If your home is in Collin County

• Go to the Collin CAD site and open the homestead or exemptions page.
• Confirm the acceptable ID, whether e‑filing is available, and the mailing or in‑person address for applications.
• Review your property account to see the taxing units listed, which helps you estimate savings once your exemption is approved.

If your home is in Denton County

• Go to the Denton CAD site and open the homestead or exemptions page.
• Review current documentation requirements, including any special exemption documentation if you qualify by age, disability or veteran status.
• If your neighborhood is near the county line, verify Denton CAD is the correct office for your parcel before you file.

Who qualifies and common exemption types

You may qualify for the general residential homestead exemption if the home is your principal residence. Depending on your situation, you may also qualify for additional exemptions that reduce your taxable value further.

Common categories include:

• General Residential Homestead Exemption
• Over‑65 and Disabled Person Exemptions, which can include a school-tax ceiling for qualifying homeowners
• Disabled Veteran and Surviving Spouse Exemptions based on VA disability rating
• Local optional exemptions adopted by counties, cities, school districts or special districts

Your actual savings depend on which exemptions you qualify for, the exemption amounts granted by each taxing entity and your combined local tax rate.

What you need to file

Follow these steps whether you are in Collin or Denton County.

1. Confirm eligibility

• You owned and occupied the home as your principal residence on January 1.
• You are not claiming a homestead exemption on another property.

2. Get the application

• Many homeowners use the Texas Comptroller’s standard residence homestead form. Visit the Comptroller’s property tax and homestead exemptions page for statewide forms and instructions.
• Check your county’s CAD site to see if they prefer a county-specific form or accept the state form.

3. Gather documentation

• A copy of a valid Texas driver’s license or Texas ID that shows the homestead address is commonly required.
• Proof of ownership may be requested. CADs typically have deed records, but some may ask for a copy of your deed or closing statement.
• For special exemptions like over‑65, disabled or disabled veteran, prepare the required supporting documents listed by the CAD.

4. Submit your application

• File with the appraisal district for the county where the property is located.
• Submission options can include online, by mail or in person, depending on the CAD. Check your CAD site for current options.

5. Watch for the decision

• The CAD will notify you of approval or denial and will update your taxable value accordingly.
• If denied, your notice will explain appeal or protest steps.

Deadlines and timing

• The typical deadline to file for the current tax year is April 30.
• If you bought after January 1 and moved in during the year, you usually file for the next tax year.
• Exemptions do not automatically transfer when a home sells. New owners must file their own application.
• After approval, your taxing units will issue statements that reflect the reduced taxable value. The timing depends on when your CAD processes your application.

For the latest procedures and deadlines, check your county’s CAD pages: Collin CAD or Denton CAD.

Estimate your tax savings

Here is a simple way to estimate savings once you know your exemption amount and combined tax rate.

• Step 1: Appraised value is set by the county appraisal district.
• Step 2: Subtract your homestead exemption amount to get taxable value.
• Step 3: Multiply taxable value by your combined tax rate to estimate taxes owed.

Example only: If your exemption reduces your taxable value by 25,000 dollars and your combined tax rate is 2.5 percent, you could save about 625 dollars for the year. Actual rates vary by school district, city, county and special districts. In many Texas communities, combined rates fall roughly between 2.0 percent and 3.5 percent. Use your property’s actual rates to calculate your number.

Quick checklist for Collin and Denton homeowners

• Verify your county and property account on the correct CAD site.
• Confirm you owned and occupied the home on January 1.
• Update your Texas driver’s license or ID to the homestead address, or ask the CAD about alternate proof.
• Download the current homestead application from the Comptroller or your CAD.
• Gather supporting documents, including any age, disability or veteran proof if applicable.
• Submit by April 30 and track your application status.

Common Frisco scenarios

• Moved in after January 1: You typically cannot claim the exemption for that calendar year. File for the next year if you still qualify.
• Seller had a homestead exemption: It does not transfer. You need to file your own application as the new owner.
• Own more than one home: You can claim the exemption on your principal residence only.
• Driver’s license shows your old address: Many CADs require ID that matches the homestead address. If you cannot update in time, ask your CAD about alternate proof they accept.
• Unsure about extra county or city exemptions: CADs list optional exemptions adopted by each taxing unit. Review them on your CAD site while you estimate savings.

Where to get official forms and answers

• For statewide guidance and forms, including the standard residence homestead application, visit the Texas Comptroller’s property tax and homestead exemptions resource.
• For county-specific submission methods, acceptable ID and processing times, go to your CAD website: Collin CAD or Denton CAD.

How Real Estate Resources can help

A homestead exemption is one piece of your overall housing costs. When you buy or sell in the Dallas–Plano–Irving area, you need clear numbers and a simple plan. Our boutique team pairs local brokerage with integrated financing insight so you can line up the right purchase, understand taxes and make strong decisions.

If you would like a data-backed home value check and a quick review of how your exemption could fit into your budget and loan strategy, reach out to Real Estate Resources. Get a Free Home Valuation & Financing Review.

FAQs

What is a Texas homestead exemption for property taxes?

• A residence homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your principal home, which lowers your property taxes from your school district, city, county and special districts.

How do I know if my Frisco home is in Collin or Denton County?

• Check your closing documents or look up your address on the correct county appraisal district site, either Collin CAD or Denton CAD.

When is the deadline to file my homestead application?

• The typical deadline for the current tax year is April 30. File with the appraisal district for the county where your property is located.

I moved in after January 1. Can I claim the exemption this year?

• Usually no. You must own and occupy the home on January 1 to qualify for that year. If you moved in after January 1, plan to file for the next tax year.

Does a seller’s homestead exemption transfer to me when I buy?

• No. Exemptions do not automatically transfer. As the new owner, you must file your own application if you qualify.

What documents do I need to apply in Collin or Denton County?

• You will typically need a completed application, a Texas driver’s license or ID showing the homestead address and proof of ownership. Special exemptions require additional documents.

Where can I get the official homestead form?

• Visit the Texas Comptroller’s page on property tax and homestead exemptions for statewide forms and instructions, then follow your county’s CAD submission steps.