How to File a Texas Homestead Exemption in Cedar Park

Buying a home in Cedar Park or finally getting settled and realizing your property tax bill feels…confusing? Maybe stressful? One of the simplest things to check off your list is the Texas homestead exemption. If the home is your primary residence, this exemption can lower the taxable value used to calculate property taxes, which often reduces what you owe.

Cedar Park is a little unique because it spans Williamson County and Travis County, so the “how to file” depends on where your property sits. Below is the straightforward, Cedar Park-specific guide: where to file, what documents to gather, and the deadlines that matter.

What the Texas homestead exemption does

A general residence homestead exemption removes a portion of your home’s appraised value from taxation, which can reduce your property tax bill. You apply through the county appraisal district where your property is located, not through your mortgage company and not through the tax office. 

For state rules and clear definitions, review the Texas Comptroller’s guidance on property tax exemptions at the official site of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Who qualifies (the simple version)

In Texas, you generally qualify if:

• You have an ownership interest in the home, and

• You use it as your principal residence, and

• You’re not claiming a residence homestead exemption on another property.

Timing note (important): People often hear “you have to own and live in it on January 1.” The reality is more nuanced. Texas guidance explains that if you acquire the property after January 1, you may be able to receive the exemption for the applicable portion of the year once you qualify, depending on whether the previous owner had the same exemption that year. When in doubt, follow the instructions for your specific appraisal district.

Where to file from Cedar Park (WCAD vs TCAD)

Cedar Park spans two counties, so you’ll file with one of these:

• Williamson County: Williamson Central Appraisal District (WCAD)

• Travis County: Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD)

The easiest way to confirm which one applies is to search your address on the appraisal district website and pull up your parcel/account record.

Step-by-step: How to file your homestead exemption in Cedar Park

1. Confirm your appraisal district
   Look up your address in WCAD (Williamson) or TCAD (Travis). Your parcel page will show the county, owner record, and whether any exemptions are already on file.

2. Gather what you’ll need
   Most homeowners should plan on:

• Proof of identity that matches the homestead address (your appraisal district will list acceptable options).

• Supporting documents if you’re also applying for additional exemptions (age 65+, disability, disabled veteran, etc.).

WCAD also notes there’s no fee to file and you generally do not need to reapply annually once approved.

3. Complete the homestead application
   Use your appraisal district’s filing method (online when available, or the standard application form). WCAD and TCAD offer an online homestead application experience.

4. Submit by the deadline (or file ASAP if you missed it)

• TCAD states the deadline to file a completed residence homestead exemption application is April 30 each year (and shifts if it lands on a weekend).

• WCAD also references April 30 as the filing deadline and describes late-filing windows.

• The Texas Comptroller describes the general deadline as before May 1.

Practical advice: In Cedar Park, treat April 30 as your target deadline, and if you missed it, still file as soon as you can and follow your appraisal district’s instructions for late applications. 

5. Check your status
   After submission, check your parcel record periodically to confirm the exemption is showing, and watch for any mail or portal notices requesting additional documentation.

Special exemptions to consider

Beyond the standard homestead, you may qualify for additional exemptions. These commonly include:

• Age 65 or older or disabled homeowner exemptions that often reduce taxable value further and can affect the school tax portion.
• Disabled veteran exemptions, which can be substantial and require VA documentation.
• Certain surviving spouse benefits tied to age 65 or disabled veteran status, subject to CAD criteria.

If you qualify, apply for the general homestead and these special exemptions together. Check your CAD’s site for the exact forms and required proofs, and review state-level guidance at the Texas Comptroller.

Common Cedar Park scenarios we see

• You moved in recently and your documents are still updating: Your appraisal district will list what they’ll accept if your primary ID address is still catching up.

• You’re near a county line: Your parcel record is the final word on whether you file with WCAD or TCAD.

• You’re applying for multiple exemptions: If you qualify for additional exemptions, it’s often easiest to submit them together, following your appraisal district’s guidance.

Quick checklist (save this)

• Confirm county and appraisal district: WCAD or TCAD

• Confirm the home is your principal residence

• Gather required ID/supporting docs based on your appraisal district’s rules

• Submit by April 30 when possible (and keep copies)

• Check your parcel record until the exemption appears

Final note and friendly disclaimer

This is general information to help you get organized, not tax or legal advice. Appraisal district requirements can vary by county and situation, so always confirm details directly with WCAD/TCAD or a qualified tax professional. If you would like our recommendations, we'd love to share them, just send us a message.

If you’re buying, selling, or comparing Cedar Park neighborhoods and want to understand how taxes might look from one area to another, we’re happy to share what we’re seeing locally and help you make a smart plan. Just reach out.