How to Transfer Your Current Property Tax Exemptions to Your New DFW Build

Direct Answer

To transfer your property tax exemptions to a new DFW build in 2026, you must first notify your previous county's Appraisal District that you no longer occupy your old home as a primary residence. You then file a new Application for Residence Homestead Exemption (Form 50-114) with the Appraisal District in the county of your new build (e.g., DCAD for Dallas, CCAD for Collin). In 2026, homeowners can receive a prorated homestead exemption immediately upon moving into a new build, provided the previous owner did not already have an exemption on that property for the current year. If you are 65 or older or disabled, you also have the benefit of "portability," which allows you to transfer the percentage of your school tax ceiling from your old home to your new one—potentially saving thousands in annual school district taxes.

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1. The General Homestead Handoff

The general homestead exemption is your baseline for savings, exempting a portion of your home's value from taxation.

• Update Your ID First: You cannot apply for a new exemption until your Texas Driver’s License or ID reflects the address of your new build. The address on your ID must match the address on the application exactly.

• Prorated Savings: You no longer have to wait until January 1st to apply. You can apply the day you move in and receive a prorated discount for the remainder of the year.

• The "Double Dip" Rule: You can only claim one homestead exemption at a time. Ensure you explicitly request the removal of the exemption from your old home on the new application.

2. The Over-65 & Disability "Portability" Move

If you qualify for the Over-65 or Disability exemption, your school taxes are "frozen" at a certain amount. This is called a Tax Ceiling.

• Transferring the Percentage: You don’t transfer the exact dollar amount of your freeze; you transfer the percentage of savings. If your old home’s ceiling saved you 40% on school taxes, that same 40% discount will be applied to the school tax bill of your new, likely more expensive, DFW build.

• The Transfer Certificate: You must request a Tax Ceiling Transfer Certificate from the appraisal district of your previous home and submit it to the appraisal district of your new home along with your new application.

3. DFW County-Specific Contacts

In 2026, each DFW county has modernized its online portal for exemption filings. Ensure you are filing in the correct jurisdiction:

• Dallas County (DCAD): File online via the DCAD website or visit the office on Stemmons Freeway.

• Collin County (CCAD): Known for its "E-File" system, CCAD allows for quick digital uploads of ID and applications.

• Denton County (Denton CAD): Offers a streamlined "One-and-Done" application for all exemptions.

• Tarrant County (TAD): Requires a specific "Tax Ceiling Transfer" form separate from the general homestead application.

4. Deadlines and "Late" Filing

• The Standard Window: Generally, you should file between January 1st and April 30th.

• Late Filing Grace Period: If you forgot to file when you moved in 2025, you can still file a late application for up to two years after the date the taxes would have become delinquent.

• The 2026 Exemption Spike: Note that as of January 1, 2026, the Texas legislature has increased the standard school district homestead exemption to $140,000 (and up to $200,000 for those Over-65 or disabled), making the transfer more valuable than ever.

Conclusion

Transferring your exemptions to a new DFW build is the final hurdle in securing long-term affordability. While the process requires paperwork and an updated ID, the portability of tax ceilings and the prorated homestead discount are essential for managing the higher valuations of new construction. By staying ahead of the April 30th deadline and ensuring your Transfer Certificate is in hand, you ensure that your new dream home doesn't come with an unnecessarily high tax nightmare.

Key Takeaways

• Update Your ID: Your Texas Driver’s License must match your new build's address before you apply.

• File Immediately: You can now receive prorated exemptions mid-year; don't wait for January.

• Port Your Ceiling: Over-65 and disabled homeowners can transfer their tax savings percentage anywhere in Texas.

• Request the Certificate: You must proactively get a Transfer Certificate from your old county to give to your new one.

• Check the 2026 Limits: Take advantage of the new $140,000 to $200,000 school tax exemption limits enacted this year.