Travis County Homestead Exemption Audit 2026: Why TCAD Is Reviewing 58,427 Exemptions

Last updated: Nov. 9, 2026

The Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) is auditing 58,427 homestead exemptions in Travis County. As of Nov. 1, 2026, it had removed 173 and was waiting to hear back from owners on 6,327. If you get a letter from TCAD about your homestead, answer it by the deadline listed.

Why is Travis County auditing homestead exemptions?

Senate Bill 1801, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023, requires each appraisal district to periodically confirm that people receiving a residence homestead exemption still qualify. TCAD's homestead exemption page says state law requires it to audit exemption records every five years, and that it may ask you to reapply if it needs more information.

The current review covers exemptions granted in 2022 or earlier that haven't been audited in the past five years, according to The Austin Bulldog.

How many homestead exemptions has TCAD removed?

As of Nov. 1, 2026, TCAD had completed 50,850 of the 58,427 audits and removed 173 exemptions, The Austin Bulldog reported. It was still waiting on responses for 6,327 homesteads.

What gets a Travis County homestead exemption flagged?

Among the 6,327 exemptions waiting on a response, TCAD reported these flags (one property can have more than one):

• 3,481 were listed as rental properties on a report from a third-party vendor.
• 2,690 had a voter registration address that didn't match the property.
• 2,212 had a driver's license address mismatch.
• 545 had a mailing address mismatch.
• 191 had an owner's name found in an obituary.

A flag doesn't mean you'll lose the exemption. It means TCAD wants proof you still qualify. If you rent out part or all of your home, see our guide on keeping a Texas homestead exemption when you rent.

How do I keep my homestead exemption during the audit?

• Open every TCAD letter. If the chief appraiser asks for a new application or documents in writing, respond by the date shown.
• Match your addresses. Your Texas driver's license or ID should show the homestead address. Updating your voter registration and mailing address helps avoid a mismatch flag.
• Check your account online. Search your property on traviscad.org to confirm your exemptions are still listed.
• Update after a death or move. If an owner has died or you've moved, contact TCAD so the account reflects who lives there now.

To qualify, you must own the home, live in it as your principal residence, and not claim a homestead on any other property in or outside Texas. Full rules are in our Texas homestead exemption guide.

Does the audit change my right to protest my value?

No. The audit is about whether you qualify for the exemption, not what your home is worth. You can still protest your appraised value to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) every year. The 2027 deadline is generally Monday, May 17, 2027, because May 15 is a Saturday, or 30 days after your notice is delivered, whichever is later.

See our Travis County property tax protest guide and Austin property tax protest page. You can file on your own, or protest with TaxDrop. Here's how a Texas property tax consultant works.

Frequently asked questions

Why is TCAD auditing my homestead exemption?

Senate Bill 1801, passed in 2023, requires each Texas appraisal district to periodically confirm that homeowners receiving a homestead exemption still qualify. TCAD says state law requires it to audit exemption records every five years. The current review covers exemptions granted in 2022 or earlier that haven't been audited in the past five years.

How many Travis County homestead exemptions are being audited?

58,427, according to The Austin Bulldog's Nov. 5, 2026 report. TCAD had completed 50,850 audits, removed 173 exemptions and was waiting on homeowner responses for 6,327 as of Nov. 1.

What gets a homestead exemption flagged?

Flags reported by TCAD included a listing as a rental property from a third-party vendor report (3,481), a voter registration address mismatch (2,690), a driver's license address mismatch (2,212), a mailing address mismatch (545) and the owner's name appearing in an obituary (191).

Do I have to reapply for my Travis County homestead exemption?

Usually no. TCAD says you don't have to reapply unless the chief appraiser asks in writing, you move, or your qualifications change. If you get a letter asking for information, respond by the date in the letter.

What do I need to keep my homestead exemption?

You must own the home and live in it as your principal residence, claim no other homestead in or outside Texas, and generally show a Texas driver's license or ID with an address that matches the property.

Does a homestead audit affect my right to protest my value?

No. The audit is about whether you qualify for the exemption. You can still protest your appraised value to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The 2027 deadline is generally Monday, May 17, 2027, or 30 days after your notice is delivered, whichever is later.

Sources: Travis Central Appraisal District, Homestead Exemptions; Texas Legislature Online, SB 1801 (88th Legislature); The Austin Bulldog, Nov. 5, 2026; Texas Comptroller, Property Tax Exemptions.