But that isn't the only money available to Texans this year. The Comptroller’s office is sitting on a massive "lost and found" pot of cash, and a state grant program is currently paying residents up to $5,000 to buy cleaner vehicles.
Here is your guide to maximizing your return in the Lone Star State.
1. The $140,000 Homestead Exemption
This is the single biggest financial update for Texas homeowners in decades.
The Change: For the 2026 tax year, the standard Homestead Exemption for school district property taxes has officially risen to $140,000.
- What it means: If your home is valued at $300,000, you will only be taxed by your school district as if it were worth $160,000.
- The Savings: Depending on your local tax rate, this saves the average homeowner hundreds (often over a thousand) of dollars annually compared to previous years.
- Action: You generally only need to file for your Homestead Exemption once. However, with the laws changing, check your county appraisal district website to ensure your exemption is "Active" and applied correctly.
2. The $2 Billion "Claim It" Pot
Texas currently holds over $2 billion in unclaimed property. Because there is no statute of limitations in Texas, the state holds this money forever until you claim it.
This includes:
- Mineral Royalties: A huge source of unclaimed funds in Texas. If your grandparents owned land with oil/gas rights, there could be royalty checks sitting in the state vault.
- Utility Deposits: Forgotten electric or internet deposits.
- Payroll: Uncashed checks from old jobs.
How to Check:
- Go to the Official Site: Visit ClaimItTexas.org (Run by the Texas Comptroller).
- Search: Enter your name.
- Mineral Search: If you suspect you have inherited mineral rights, search specifically for the names of deceased ancestors.
3. The $2,500+ Vehicle Rebate (LDPLIP)
While federal EV credits are well-known, Texas has its own specific grant program called the Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program (LDPLIP).
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) offers rebates to people who buy or lease new vehicles that run on alternative fuels.
- EVs & Hybrids: You can get a rebate of up to $2,500 for buying or leasing an eligible electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
- CNG/LPG: If you buy a vehicle running on Compressed Natural Gas or Propane (popular in rural Texas), the rebate jumps up to $5,000.
- Availability: These grants are often "first-come, first-served" and have a capped number of applications per round (often 2,000 spots for EVs), so applying early in the year is critical.
4. Sales Tax Holiday (Emergency Supplies)
While the "Back to School" tax holiday is famous, don't forget the Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday which typically happens in late April.
- What is tax-free: Portable generators (under $3,000), hurricane shutters, batteries, and coolers.
- Why it matters: Buying a generator tax-free saves you nearly 8.25% instantly. If you are planning to buy one for storm season, wait for the holiday dates to be announced (usually the last weekend in April).
Action Plan: 3 Steps to Take Today
- Search ClaimItTexas.org: Do it right now. It is the only way to check if you have mineral royalties or lost wages waiting for you.
- Verify Your Homestead Status: Go to your County Appraisal District's website (e.g., hcad.org for Harris, dcad.org for Dallas). Search your address and ensure the "Homestead Cap" and "Exemptions" lines are active to lock in the new $140k benefit.
- Check the LDPLIP List: If you are buying a car this month, check the TCEQ website to see if your model qualifies for the extra $2,500 state check.