← All exemptions

    Surviving spouse (continuing a spouse's exemption)

    Tex. Tax Code §§ 11.13(q), 11.131(c)–(d), 11.22

    What it is

    Texas law lets a surviving spouse keep several exemptions the deceased spouse had qualified for, so the household's tax bill doesn't jump after a death. The common thread: you have not remarried, and the home was and remains your residence homestead.

    For the over-65 exemption and school-tax ceiling, you must have been at least 55 when your spouse died (§ 11.13(q)). For a 100% disabled veteran's exemption, the full exemption continues and can even move with you to a new home at the same dollar amount (§ 11.131(c)–(d)).

    Tell us which exemption your spouse held and we'll confirm the right path and file it.

    What it's worth

    Depends on the exemption your spouse held: the over-65 amount and ceiling continue if you were 55 or older when your spouse died; a 100% disabled veteran's total exemption continues in full; the § 11.22 partial amounts carry to a surviving spouse who has not remarried.

    You qualify if

    • Your spouse held (or qualified for) the exemption at death.
    • You have not remarried, and the home remains your residence homestead.
    • For the over-65 continuation: you were 55 or older when your spouse died.

    File after the district's record changes, as soon as you can.

    Documents the district requires

    • Your spouse's death certificate

    • Proof of the exemption your spouse held or qualified for

      The appraisal notice showing it, the VA letter, or the SSA letter — whatever documents the underlying exemption.

    • Texas driver's licence or DPS ID — address must match this property

      Required by Tax Code § 11.43(n). If you've moved, update your address with DPS first — the district will deny the application if the addresses differ. A passport or handgun licence cannot substitute.

    Filed on Form 50-114 or 50-135, depending on the underlying exemption. You upload these in the application — we prepare the district's form and file it with them.

    County specifics

    Travis County (TCAD)

    • TCAD accepts online filing, but strictly enforces the ID-address match — a passport or handgun licence is not accepted, and a mismatched address is an automatic denial.
    • If you moved recently, change your address with Texas DPS before applying; TCAD may also ask for supplemental proof of residence such as a current utility bill in your name or your vehicle registration.

    Williamson County (WCAD)

    • WCAD supports online filing from your property record. Your Texas DL or DPS ID must show this property's address.
    • If you previously claimed a homestead in another county, WCAD may ask for confirmation from the prior appraisal district that the old exemption was removed.

    Hays County (Hays CAD)

    • Files on the standard Form 50-114 with a matching Texas DL or DPS ID. Online submission is available through the Hays CAD site.

    Bell County (Bell CAD)

    • Standard Form 50-114 filing with matching Texas DL or DPS ID. Bell CAD may request a current utility bill when the occupancy date is recent.

    Bastrop County (Bastrop CAD)

    • Standard Form 50-114 filing with matching Texas DL or DPS ID.

    Burnet County (Burnet CAD)

    • Standard Form 50-114 filing with matching Texas DL or DPS ID.

    Llano County (Llano CAD)

    • Standard Form 50-114 filing with matching Texas DL or DPS ID.

    Lampasas County (Lampasas CAD)

    • Standard Form 50-114 filing with matching Texas DL or DPS ID.

    Kimble County (Kimble CAD)

    • Standard Form 50-114 filing with matching Texas DL or DPS ID.

    Apply

    Loading your properties…