What this calculator does
The homestead exemption is the biggest property tax break most Dallas homeowners get, and it is free to claim with Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD). This calculator compares your yearly tax with and without it for every taxing unit on a typical Dallas ISD bill. A Dallas home in Dallas ISD is taxed by Dallas ISD, the City of Dallas, Dallas County, Parkland Hospital and Dallas College, for about $2.22 per $100 in 2025 before exemptions — a bit higher than Houston. The school district's $140,000 homestead exemption is the largest saving, and the City, County and Parkland each take 20% off for homesteads.
How to use it
- Enter the appraised value from your notice.
- Tick the box if an owner is 65 or older or disabled.
- Read the savings by taxing unit.
The formula
For each taxing unit, tax = (value − exemption) ÷ 100 × rate. The school district exempts $140,000 (plus $60,000 more for 65+ or disabled). The other units on the bill take a percentage off. Savings = tax without homestead − tax with homestead.
Worked example
Using the default inputs shown in the calculator above:
| Taxing unit | Savings per year |
|---|---|
| Dallas ISD — exemption $140,000 | $1,372 |
| City of Dallas — exemption $76,000 | $531 |
| Dallas County — exemption $76,000 | $164 |
| Parkland Hospital District — exemption $76,000 | $161 |
| Dallas College — exemption $0 | $0 |
| Total yearly savings | $2,228 |
Yearly savings from the homestead exemption: $2,228. Tax falls from $8,443 to $6,216 a year.
Most of the saving comes from the school district, because its $140,000 exemption removes a large, fixed slice of value at the highest rate on the bill. The other units take a percentage off instead, so their savings grow with your home's value.
How the homestead works in Dallas
You qualify if you own the home and live in it as your principal residence on January 1. Apply with Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) — online or by mail — by April 30, though late applications are accepted for up to two years. Once granted, it also caps the yearly increase in your taxable value at 10%, which can matter more than the exemption itself in a hot market. Owners 65 and older get a school tax ceiling that freezes the school tax amount.
Common mistakes and tips
- Paying a company to file a homestead application — it is free with the appraisal district.
- Assuming it transfers automatically when you buy — new owners must apply.
- Forgetting to reapply after moving within the county.
- Not checking the over-65 exemption once an owner turns 65.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the homestead exemption save in Dallas?
On a $380,000 home in Dallas ISD, this calculator estimates the yearly saving shown above — most of it from the $140,000 school exemption.
When is the deadline?
April 30 for the current year, but Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) accepts late applications up to two years after the deadline.
What is the 10% homestead cap?
For a homestead, the appraised value used for tax can rise no more than 10% a year (plus new improvements), even if the market value rises faster.
Did the school exemption change in 2025?
Yes. Texas voters approved raising it from $100,000 to $140,000 in November 2025, and to $200,000 for 65+ or disabled owners.
Sources
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, legal, real estate, or insurance advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions.