If you purchased a new home last year, you will probably want to complete an Application for Homestead form to get an exemption (ie-reduction in appraised value) which lowers the taxes you have to pay on your home (I do this for all of my buyer clients the 1st week of January each year). It also gives you certain protection from creditors (see a lawyer or accountant for details). This only applies to your primary Texas residence...second homes cannot qualify for the homestead exemption. The form needs to be completed and submitted between January 1st and April 30th to qualify for your taxes that are due by the end of this year. You only have to do this one time for each new homestead you claim. Here is a website with more information: Texas Homestead Exemption. If you are unsure whether you have the homestead exemption on your current home, call or go one of the websites below.
Click on the appropriate link to the county where your home is located:
Travis County (512) 834-9138
Williamson County (512) 930-3787
Hays County (512) 268-2522