Texas · Howard County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Howard County, TX property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Howard County, on top of Texas’s statewide rules: what each is worth here, who qualifies, where to apply and the deadline.
What is different in Howard County
Howard County itself grants a 20% (min. $5,000) homestead exemption, $12,000 off for age 65+ and $12,000 off for disabled homeowners (2024). Big Spring ISD, the largest school district, adds a local 20% (min. $5,000) homestead exemption on top of the state school exemptions. 12 of the 12 taxing units listed offer a local homestead exemption; details for every unit are in the table.
Apply at
Howard Appraisal District
Phone
432-263-8301
Local breaks
Local option homestead exemption (Howard County), Local age 65 or older exemption (Howard County), Local disabled person exemption (Howard County), Local options of Big Spring ISD (largest school district)
20% (min. $5,000) of the home's appraised value off Howard County taxes
Set by
county
Tax year
2024 (local annual report 2024)
Who qualifies
Owner-occupied residence homestead (any age)
How to apply
File Form 50-114 with the county appraisal district (no fee); one application covers every taxing unit that taxes your home. Attach a copy of your Texas driver's license or ID showing the home's address.
Generally by April 30 of the tax year (Tax Code §11.43(d)); a late application can be filed up to two years after that year's taxes become delinquent (§11.431).
Renewal
One-time; you do not reapply each year unless the appraisal district asks you to.
$12,000 off the home's value for Howard County taxes
Set by
county
Tax year
2024 (local annual report 2024)
Who qualifies
Homeowner age 65 or older (a surviving spouse 55 or older may keep it)
How to apply
File Form 50-114 with the county appraisal district (no fee); one application covers every taxing unit that taxes your home. Attach a copy of your Texas driver's license or ID showing the home's address.
No later than one year after you turn 65 or become disabled (Tax Code §11.43(k)); late applications up to two years after the delinquency date (§11.431).
Renewal
One-time; you do not reapply each year unless the appraisal district asks you to.
$12,000 off the home's value for Howard County taxes
Set by
county
Tax year
2024 (local annual report 2024)
Who qualifies
Homeowner who meets the Social Security disability definition (you cannot take both the 65+ and disabled exemption from the same unit)
How to apply
File Form 50-114 with the county appraisal district (no fee); one application covers every taxing unit that taxes your home. Attach a copy of your Texas driver's license or ID showing the home's address.
No later than one year after you turn 65 or become disabled (Tax Code §11.43(k)); late applications up to two years after the delinquency date (§11.431).
Renewal
One-time; you do not reapply each year unless the appraisal district asks you to.
Local options of Big Spring ISD (largest school district)
Big Spring ISD adds a local 20% (min. $5,000) homestead exemption on top of the state school exemptions ($140,000 homestead; +$60,000 for 65+/disabled)
Set by
school district
Tax year
2024 (local annual report 2024)
Who qualifies
Homeowners in Big Spring ISD; age/disability rules as for the state exemption
How to apply
File Form 50-114 with the county appraisal district (no fee); one application covers every taxing unit that taxes your home. Attach a copy of your Texas driver's license or ID showing the home's address.
Generally by April 30 of the tax year (Tax Code §11.43(d)); a late application can be filed up to two years after that year's taxes become delinquent (§11.431).
Renewal
One-time; you do not reapply each year unless the appraisal district asks you to.
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Howard County
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Document checklist for Howard County
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about property tax exemptions in Howard County
What property tax exemptions are there in Howard County?
Howard County itself grants a 20% (min. $5,000) homestead exemption, $12,000 off for age 65+ and $12,000 off for disabled homeowners (2024). Big Spring ISD, the largest school district, adds a local 20% (min. $5,000) homestead exemption on top of the state school exemptions. 12 of the 12 taxing units listed offer a local homestead exemption; details for every unit are in the table. Local breaks here: Local option homestead exemption (Howard County); Local age 65 or older exemption (Howard County); Local disabled person exemption (Howard County); Local options of Big Spring ISD (largest school district).
Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Howard County?
Howard Appraisal District Phone: 432-263-8301 Address: 315 S. Main St., Big Spring, TX 79720-2520. Also: Howard County Tax Assessor-Collector, which sends and collects the property tax bill. Also: Texas Comptroller, Property Tax Assistance Division, which state rules and forms.
When is the deadline to apply in Howard County?
Local option homestead exemption (Howard County): Generally by April 30 of the tax year (Tax Code §11.43(d)); a late application can be filed up to two years after that year's taxes become delinquent (§11.431). Local age 65 or older exemption (Howard County): No later than one year after you turn 65 or become disabled (Tax Code §11.43(k)); late applications up to two years after the delinquency date (§11.431). Local disabled person exemption (Howard County): No later than one year after you turn 65 or become disabled (Tax Code §11.43(k)); late applications up to two years after the delinquency date (§11.431). Local options of Big Spring ISD (largest school district): Generally by April 30 of the tax year (Tax Code §11.43(d)); a late application can be filed up to two years after that year's taxes become delinquent (§11.431).
Do I have to reapply every year in Howard County?
Local option homestead exemption (Howard County): One-time; you do not reapply each year unless the appraisal district asks you to. Local age 65 or older exemption (Howard County): One-time; you do not reapply each year unless the appraisal district asks you to. Local disabled person exemption (Howard County): One-time; you do not reapply each year unless the appraisal district asks you to. Local options of Big Spring ISD (largest school district): One-time; you do not reapply each year unless the appraisal district asks you to.
Do Texas’s statewide exemptions apply in Howard County too?
Yes. The statewide breaks on our Texas page apply here as well, for example General Residence Homestead Exemption, Age 65 or Older or Disabled Residence Homestead Exemption and School Tax Ceiling (tax freeze) for Age 65 or Older or Disabled. This page adds what Howard County sets or runs itself.
Good to know in Howard County
Almost every taxing unit in Howard County gives a 20% homestead exemption (at least $5,000), including the school districts; Howard County and Howard College give $12,000 off for 65+ or disabled homeowners.
Median effective tax rate for Howard County: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2020–2024 5-year estimates, county figures as published by Tax Foundation. The rate is property taxes paid divided by home value.