Appraisal districts in Texas can significantly increase property taxes, especially for non-homesteaded properties. The 10% ...

A homestead exemption is a legal mandate. It helps protect a home from seizure by creditors following a declaration of bankruptcy or the death of a spouse with ownership interest. In many states, the ...

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Samantha (Sam) Silberstein, CFP®, CSLP®, EA, is an experienced financial consultant. She has ...

If you don’t have a homestead exemption, then you should apply for one.(SoleilC / Getty Images/iStockphoto) Texas has proudly had homestead laws for the last 175 years or so. They were incorporated in ...

Homestead exemptions offer exceptions to financial claims on your primary residence. Homeowners filing for bankruptcy may be able to use a homestead exemption to shield the home’s equity from ...

Homeowners may reduce their property tax bills in 2001 by taking advantage of homestead exemptions. Application forms are available at the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District. Chief appraiser Gene ...