How to apply for Texas Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (Partial, 10%–100% Rating)

Who it's for

Texas exempts part of a disabled veteran's property value from taxation, stepping up with the VA disability rating: $5,000 off assessed value at 10–29%, $7,500 at 30–49%, $10,000 at 50–69%, and $12,000 at 70–100%. A veteran age 65 or older with a rating of at least 10% receives the full $12,000 exemption regardless of tier — the age rule that matters most for seniors. The exemption can apply to any one property the veteran owns, not only the homestead. An unmarried surviving spouse may also qualify. Apply once through the county appraisal district with the VA award letter showing the rating.

What you'll need

• VA disability award letter showing the rating percentage
• Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
• Completed Form 50-135 (Disabled Veteran's or Survivor's Exemption) from the county appraisal district

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Confirm your eligibility. You must be a Texas veteran with a VA disability rating of at least 10%, or an unmarried surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran. If you are 65 or older with a rating of at least 10%, you qualify for the full $12,000 exemption regardless of your rating tier.
2. Gather your required documents: your VA disability award letter showing your rating percentage, a valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID), and a completed Form 50-135 (Disabled Veteran's or Survivor's Exemption).
3. Get Form 50-135 from your local county appraisal district. The form may be available on the district's website or at the office directly.
4. Complete Form 50-135 carefully. Make sure the rating percentage on your VA award letter matches what you enter on the form.
5. Submit your application and documents to your local county appraisal district online. Contact your district directly if you have questions about their submission process.
6. Keep copies of everything you submit, including your VA award letter, photo ID, and completed form.

What to expect: After you submit, the county appraisal district will review your application and documents. Processing times vary, so contact your district for an estimate. If approved, the exemption reduces the assessed value of one property you own — by $5,000 at a 10–29% rating, $7,500 at 30–49%, $10,000 at 50–69%, or $12,000 at 70–100%. Veterans age 65 or older with at least a 10% rating receive the full $12,000 exemption. The dollar amount you save on your tax bill depends on your local property tax rate; the appraisal district can confirm the exact effect for your property. This is a one-time application — you do not need to reapply each year, though the appraisal district may periodically re-verify your information.

Renewals

one-time application; the appraisal district may periodically re-verify