Homeowners aren’t claiming a homestead exemption because they do not know about it or find the process too complicated, experts say.
Joshua Fechter
Joshua Fechter is the Dallas-based urban affairs reporter for The Texas Tribune, covering policy — including housing affordability, housing and property taxes, evictions, policing and transportation — and politics in Texas' major metropolitan areas. Before joining the Tribune in August 2021, Joshua covered City Hall for the San Antonio Express-News. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.
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Texas affordability crisis
Texas homeowners may be missing out on a major property tax break. Here’s how to claim it.
Hundreds of thousands of potentially eligible Texas homeowners aren’t claiming a homestead exemption, which shaves off thousands of dollars from the taxable value of a home. Here’s how to apply.
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Texas affordability crisis
How Texas candidates plan to lower the cost of gas, groceries and housing
From groceries to childcare, Texans are spending more to live here. Here’s how much costs have risen, why it’s happening and what candidates are proposing to fix it.
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Texas affordability crisis
Texas seniors are getting a huge property tax break. Everyone else is picking up the tab.
State lawmakers passed generous homestead exemptions that have allowed some 60% of Texas homeowners age 65 and up to pay $0 in school property taxes.
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The 2026 Texas Tribune Festival
Muslims in Texas are disillusioned as GOP ramps up anti-Islam rhetoric
Being a Muslim in Texas has become more difficult amid a rise in hateful rhetoric from Republicans, panelists at The Texas Tribune Festival said.
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Texas affordability crisis
Are you a Texan dealing with rising costs? We want to hear from you.
Tell us how the rise in everyday costs like housing, healthcare and groceries has affected you.
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Texas affordability crisis
With voters squeezed by high costs, Texas candidates race to claim affordability mantle
If not carefully vetted, candidates’ proposals to lower costs could exacerbate future affordability issues, experts say.
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State Government
A new Texas law declaws neighborhood groups that oppose housing projects
Lawmakers gutted an old state law that required a city council supermajority to approve a new housing development if neighbors petitioned the proposal.
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State Government
Texas cities eye property tax hikes, spending cuts amid yawning budget gaps
Rising costs, slowing tax revenue and a sluggish economy have saddled some of Texas’ biggest cities with multimillion-dollar deficits.
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Health care
Baby at center of surrogacy rights case is born in Dallas
The biological parents won a temporary restraining order against the surrogate, who tried to claim parental rights, and are with their baby, their attorneys say.
