How To File Your Homestead for a Bacon Crest Address

Buying in Bacon Crest and want to lower your property tax bill? You are not alone. New Lubbock homeowners often hear about the Texas homestead exemption but are unsure when to file, what to include, or how it actually reduces taxes. In this guide, you will learn who qualifies, the April 30 deadline, the exact documents to gather, and the simple steps to file with the Lubbock Central Appraisal District. Let’s dive in.

What a homestead exemption does

A residence homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary home. Lower taxable value usually means a lower property tax bill for the year the exemption applies. The amount you save depends on your home’s appraised value, each taxing unit’s exemption, and local tax rates.

For statewide rules and deadlines, review the Texas guidance in the Texas Comptroller’s homestead overview. You can read the state’s summary of eligibility and deadlines in the Comptroller’s resource on homestead exemptions.

• Learn more about rules and deadlines from the Texas Comptroller’s homestead exemption guidance: Texas Comptroller homestead overview

Who qualifies in Bacon Crest

To qualify for the Texas residence homestead exemption for a given tax year, you must:

• Own the property and occupy it as your principal residence on January 1 of that year.
• Apply with the Lubbock Central Appraisal District (LCAD), since Bacon Crest is in Lubbock County.
• Use the exemption for a primary residence only, not a rental or second home.

If you meet these rules and send a complete application by April 30, the exemption generally applies to that calendar year’s taxes.

Timing and common scenarios

• Bought and moved in before January 1: You can file for that current tax year as long as you submit by April 30.
• Closed after January 1: You will usually file for the next tax year once you own and occupy the home on the following January 1.
• Missed the April 30 deadline: You can still send an application. In many cases it will take effect the next tax year. Contact LCAD to ask about your specific situation.
• Moving within Texas: Homestead exemptions do not transfer. You need to file a new application on your new primary residence.

What to gather before you apply

LCAD will want proof of two things: ownership and that the home is your primary residence. Collect these items before you start.

• Proof of ownership (one of the following):
  • Recorded deed or copy of the recorded warranty deed.
  • Closing Disclosure or HUD‑1 that shows your purchase and date.
  • Court order or other legal title document if applicable.
• Proof of identity and residency:
  • Texas driver’s license or Texas ID showing your Bacon Crest address, if possible.
  • If your ID has a previous address, add a recent utility bill, voter registration card, or vehicle registration that lists your Bacon Crest property address.
  • If you have an out‑of‑state ID, bring a government photo ID plus additional proof of residency.
• Proof of age or disability if applying for those exemptions:
  • Driver’s license with birth date or birth certificate for over‑65.
  • Social Security award letter or other qualifying documentation for disability-type exemptions.
• LCAD application details:
  • Completed LCAD homestead exemption form.
  • Contact information and the last four digits of your Social Security number if requested.

Quick checklist

• Recorded deed or Closing Disclosure
• Driver’s license or Texas ID (Bacon Crest address if possible)
• Recent utility bill in your name if your ID address differs
• Completed LCAD homestead exemption form
• Proof of age/disability if applying for those exemptions

How to file with LCAD: step by step

Follow this simple process to keep things moving smoothly.

1. Confirm eligibility

Make sure you owned and lived in your Bacon Crest home on January 1 of the tax year you want to claim.

2. Gather documents

Collect your deed or closing statement, photo ID, and a utility bill if the addresses do not match. If you are applying for over‑65 or disability exemptions, add the required proof.

3. Get the LCAD form

Go to the Lubbock Central Appraisal District website and search for “homestead exemption,” or call LCAD to request the current form and instructions. Procedures and submission options can change, so verify the latest steps directly with LCAD.

4. Submit by April 30

Send your application online if available, by mail, or in person. Keep copies of everything. If mailing, consider certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

5. Watch for your confirmation letter

LCAD will mail a notice approving or denying your exemption. If approved and filed by April 30 with January 1 occupancy, the exemption should apply to that year’s taxes.

6. If denied

Read the reason for denial. You can address documentation issues or use the appeal options LCAD provides. Protests about appraised value are separate from exemption issues and follow different deadlines.

Filing options at a glance

• Online: Many districts offer online filing. Check the LCAD website for current options.
• Mail: Send the completed form and copies of documents. Keep your mailing receipt.
• In person: Visit LCAD to submit and resolve questions on the spot.
• Phone or email: Contact LCAD to confirm which documents they require for your situation.

Understanding your tax savings

The homestead exemption removes a portion of your appraised value from taxation for each taxing unit that grants it. Savings vary by:

• The exemption amount from each taxing unit.
• Your home’s appraised value.
• Each unit’s tax rate.

For a ballpark estimate, review your appraised value and local tax rates, or ask the county or city tax office for guidance. Final bills issue later in the year using appraisal district data.

Extra exemptions to know

You may qualify for additional savings depending on your situation. Ask LCAD about:

• Over‑65 exemption: Often includes an additional school tax ceiling once granted. Proof of age is required.
• Disability exemption: May qualify you for additional exemptions and a school tax ceiling with proper documentation.
• Disabled veteran exemptions: Substantial exemptions are available with VA documentation.
• Other specific exemptions: Blind person, surviving spouse, and other categories may apply in certain cases.

Common Bacon Crest scenarios

• Bought on March 15: You will usually wait and file for next year, since you did not own and occupy on January 1.
• Previous owner had a homestead: It does not transfer. File in your name once you are eligible.
• ID has your old address: Update your license if you can. If not, include a utility bill, voter registration, or vehicle registration that shows your Bacon Crest address.
• How long until it shows up on the bill: If approved and filed by April 30 with January 1 occupancy, it should apply to that year’s taxes. The tax office issues bills later in the year.

After you file: what’s next

• Keep your approval letter in your records.
• Respond promptly if LCAD asks for verification in future years.
• Tell LCAD if you sell the home or it stops being your primary residence.
• If you disagree with your appraised value or your exemption decision, follow LCAD’s protest and appeal instructions and deadlines.

Bottom-line checklist

• Confirm you owned and lived in your Bacon Crest home on January 1.
• Gather deed/closing docs, photo ID, and a utility bill if needed.
• Get the current LCAD homestead exemption form and instructions.
• File by April 30 for the exemption to apply to that tax year.
• Keep your approval letter and update LCAD if you move.

If you want help organizing your documents or confirming timing before you file, reach out anytime. We are happy to walk you through the local steps so you can get your exemption in place with confidence. Schedule a free consultation with Real Estate by Anna to get started today.

FAQs

Who qualifies for a Texas homestead in Bacon Crest?

• You must own and occupy your Bacon Crest home as your principal residence on January 1, apply with LCAD, and use it as your primary home only.

What is the Texas homestead deadline for Lubbock County?

• Apply by April 30 for the exemption to count for that tax year. You can submit later, but it will typically start the next year.

What documents do I need to file with LCAD?

• Provide proof of ownership, photo ID, and proof of residency if your ID address differs. Add proof of age or disability if you claim those exemptions.

Does the previous owner’s homestead transfer to me?

• No. You must file a new homestead exemption in your name after you own and occupy the property.

I moved within Texas. Do I need to reapply?

• Yes. Homestead exemptions do not transfer. File a new application with the appraisal district for your new primary residence.

How much will my Bacon Crest homestead save me?

• Savings depend on your appraised value, exemption amounts granted by each taxing unit, and local tax rates. LCAD and local tax offices can help estimate.