How Much Does the Texas Homestead Exemption Save You in 2026?
The Texas homestead exemption now removes $140,000 from your home’s taxable value for school district taxes. For a homeowner in Travis County paying a school tax rate of roughly $0.95 per $100 of assessed value, that translates to about $1,330 in annual savings on school taxes alone. Add county and city exemptions, and total savings for a typical Austin-area homeowner range from $1,400 to $2,800 per year.
Texas voters approved Proposition 13 in November 2025, increasing the school district homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 effective for the 2025 tax year. For homeowners age 65 and older or those with a qualifying disability, the additional exemption jumped from $10,000 to $60,000, bringing their combined school district exemption to $200,000. According to the Texas Comptroller’s office, these increases represent the largest homestead tax relief expansion in state history.
This is not a small number. On a $500,000 home in Bee Cave, the school district exemption alone saves roughly $1,330 per year. A 68-year-old homeowner in the same house saves approximately $1,900 on school taxes, and that does not include the additional county, city, and special district exemptions stacking on top.
If you own a home in Texas and have not filed for your homestead exemption, you are overpaying your property taxes. Full stop. This guide covers every exemption type available, the exact filing process, deadlines, retroactive filing, and calculated savings examples for the Austin and Hill Country area.

What Is a Homestead Exemption in Texas?
A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence for property tax purposes. Texas does not have a state income tax, so local governments fund schools, roads, emergency services, and infrastructure almost entirely through property taxes. The homestead exemption is the state’s primary mechanism for reducing that burden on homeowners.
The exemption only applies to your principal residence. You cannot claim it on a second home, a vacation property, or a rental. You must own the property and live in it as your primary home on January 1 of the tax year.
Here is what makes Texas unusual: the homestead exemption applies differently depending on which taxing entity is billing you. Your property tax bill comes from multiple entities (school district, county, city, and possibly a MUD, ESD, or other special district), and each entity may offer its own exemption at different amounts.
2026 Homestead Exemption Amounts by Taxing Entity
| Taxing Entity | General Homestead Exemption | Over-65 / Disabled Additional | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| School districts (statewide) | $140,000 | $60,000 additional ($200,000 total) | Mandatory per state law |
| Travis County | 20% of appraised value | $143,220 additional | County sets its own amount |
| Williamson County | $5,000 | Varies by entity | Check WCAD for current amounts |
| Hays County | $5,000 | Varies by entity | Check Hays CAD for current amounts |
| City of Austin | 20% of appraised value | $98,500 additional | City sets its own amount |
| Cities (general) | $0 to 20% of value | $3,000 to $100,000+ | Each city sets its own |
| MUD / Special districts | Varies | Varies | Many offer $0; check your specific district |
The school district exemption is the big one. At $140,000, it is the largest single exemption available to every Texas homeowner. County and city exemptions add meaningful savings on top, but their amounts vary widely depending on where you live.
For a deeper look at how all these taxing entities work together, see our Complete Guide to Property Taxes in Austin.
Who Qualifies for the Texas Homestead Exemption?
The qualification rules are straightforward:
- You must own the property. Your name must be on the deed. If you have a life estate, a beneficial interest in a qualifying trust, or are a partial owner, you still qualify.
- It must be your primary residence. You must live in the home as of January 1 of the tax year. A condo, manufactured home on owned or leased land, or a single unit in a duplex all qualify as long as it is your principal residence.
- Your driver’s license or state ID must match. Most county appraisal districts require your Texas driver’s license or state-issued ID to show the same address as the homestead property. Update your license at the DL office or online through the Texas DPS before filing.
- One homestead per person. Texas law allows only one homestead exemption per individual. If you are married and both names are on the deed, you file one joint homestead exemption, not two.
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. Legal permanent residents and other qualifying individuals who own and occupy the property can claim the exemption.
What Counts as “Primary Residence”?
The term gets questions, especially from people who split time between two properties. Texas law defines your primary residence as the place where you live and intend to return when you are away. Indicators include where you receive mail, where your vehicles are registered, where you vote, and where your driver’s license is addressed. If you spend winters in Arizona but consider your Texas home base, you can still qualify. The key factor is intent, backed by documentation showing ties to the property.
Owners of manufactured homes qualify if the home is on land they own or lease, and the home is designated as their principal residence. Condo owners qualify for the full unit. If you own a duplex and live in one unit, the exemption applies to your unit.
The Over-65 Homestead Exemption and Tax Freeze
The over-65 exemption is one of the most valuable property tax benefits in Texas. It includes two components: an additional dollar exemption and a school tax ceiling (freeze).
Additional Exemption Amount
Homeowners age 65 or older receive an additional $60,000 exemption on school district taxes, on top of the $140,000 general homestead exemption. That is $200,000 of your home’s value exempt from school taxes.
Many counties and cities offer their own additional over-65 exemptions. Travis County adds $143,220. The City of Austin adds $98,500. These stack on top of the school district amount.
School Tax Ceiling (Freeze)
The year you turn 65, your school district taxes are frozen at the dollar amount you pay that year. This is a tax ceiling, not a value freeze. Your home’s appraised value can continue to rise, but your school tax bill stays locked at the ceiling amount. The ceiling only adjusts upward if you add improvements (a new room, a pool, a garage) that increase the home’s value.
This is a powerful benefit in a market where appraised values have risen 40% to 60% over five years. A homeowner who turned 65 in 2020 and had a school tax bill of $3,200 that year still pays $3,200 in school taxes in 2026, even if the home’s appraised value doubled.
Transferring the Tax Ceiling to a New Home
If you sell your home and buy a new one in Texas, you can transfer your tax ceiling. The new ceiling is calculated using a formula:
New ceiling = (Old ceiling / Old home’s school taxes at current rate) x New home’s school taxes at current rate
The practical effect: if your ceiling represented a 50% reduction on your old home, you get roughly a 50% reduction on the new home’s school taxes. This applies only within Texas. You must apply for the transfer with your new county appraisal district.
Ed Neuhaus, broker of Neuhaus Realty Group, notes that the over-65 tax ceiling transfer is one of the most underutilized benefits for retirees downsizing in the Hill Country. “Sellers who are 65-plus often don’t realize they can carry their frozen school tax rate to a new home in Georgetown, Dripping Springs, or anywhere else in Texas.”
Disabled Person Homestead Exemption
Homeowners with a qualifying disability receive the same additional $60,000 school district exemption and school tax ceiling as over-65 homeowners. You cannot claim both the over-65 and disabled person exemptions simultaneously (you pick the one more beneficial to you), but the amounts are identical.
To qualify, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disabled or receive disability benefits under the Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Act.
Required documentation includes a letter from Social Security confirming your disability status or a physician’s statement meeting the CAD’s requirements.

Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemptions
Texas offers some of the strongest property tax benefits for disabled veterans in the country. There are two separate programs: partial exemptions based on disability rating and a total exemption for 100% disabled veterans.
Partial Exemptions (10% to 100% Rating)
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs receive a fixed-dollar exemption from their home’s assessed value. This applies to all taxing entities, not just school districts.
| VA Disability Rating | Exemption Amount |
|---|---|
| 10% to 29% | $5,000 |
| 30% to 49% | $7,500 |
| 50% to 69% | $10,000 |
| 70% to 100% | $12,000 |
| 65+ with 10%+ rating | $12,000 |
| Blind in one or both eyes | $12,000 |
| Loss of one or more limbs | $12,000 |
These partial exemptions are separate from the general homestead exemption and can be claimed in addition to it.
100% Disabled Veteran Total Exemption
Under Texas Tax Code Section 11.131, a veteran rated 100% disabled due to a service-connected condition (or rated as individually unemployable) receives a total exemption from all property taxes on their residence homestead. Zero property taxes.
On a $500,000 home in Travis County with a combined tax rate of roughly 1.8%, that is a savings of approximately $9,000 per year. For a home in Lakeway valued at $725,000, the annual savings exceed $13,000.
This exemption applies to the entire property: all taxing entities, the full appraised value. No cap.
For veterans using VA home loan benefits, see our Complete Guide to Buying a Home with VA Benefits in Austin.
Surviving Spouse Exemptions
Texas extends several homestead protections to surviving spouses. The rules differ depending on which exemption the deceased spouse held.
Surviving Spouse of Over-65 Homeowner
If your spouse was receiving the over-65 exemption and tax ceiling, and you are age 55 or older, you can continue both the exemption and the frozen tax ceiling on the same property. You must continue to own and occupy the home as your primary residence. The school tax ceiling carries over without interruption.
Surviving Spouse of 100% Disabled Veteran
If your spouse was rated 100% disabled and receiving the total property tax exemption, you can continue receiving that exemption as long as you:
- Do not remarry
- Continue to own and live in the home
- The property was your residence homestead when your spouse passed away
If you sell and purchase a new home in Texas, you may qualify to transfer the exemption to the new property, subject to a dollar cap equal to the tax amount that would have been imposed on the former home.
Important: Surviving Spouse Must Apply Separately
The exemption does not transfer automatically. You must file a new application with your county appraisal district, providing proof of age (for over-65 continuation), proof of death, and proof that the property is still your primary residence.
How to File for Your Texas Homestead Exemption
Filing is free and straightforward. Here is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
- Texas driver’s license or state-issued ID (address must match the property)
- Property address and legal description (from your deed or closing documents)
- Vehicle registration showing the property address (some CADs require this)
- For over-65: proof of age (driver’s license is sufficient)
- For disabled: Social Security disability letter or physician’s statement
- For disabled veteran: VA disability rating letter
Step 2: Complete Form 50-114
Download Texas Comptroller Form 50-114 (Application for Residence Homestead Exemption). Most county appraisal districts also accept online applications through their website.
Step 3: Submit to Your County Appraisal District
File with the appraisal district for the county where your property is located. For the Austin metro area:
| County | Appraisal District | Filing Options |
|---|---|---|
| Travis | Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) | Online, mail, in-person, or email |
| Williamson | Williamson Central Appraisal District (WCAD) | Online, mail, or in-person |
| Hays | Hays Central Appraisal District (Hays CAD) | Online, mail, or in-person |
| Bastrop | Bastrop Central Appraisal District (BCAD) | Online, mail, or in-person |
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
Processing typically takes 30 to 90 days. You will receive a letter confirming your exemption. Once approved, the exemption remains in place until you sell the home, move out, or otherwise stop qualifying. You do not need to reapply annually.
Filing Deadlines You Need to Know
| Deadline | Action |
|---|---|
| January 1 | You must own and occupy the home as of this date to qualify for the current tax year |
| April 30 | Standard deadline to file for the current tax year |
| Up to 2 years late | Late filing allowed under Tax Code §11.431 (measured from the delinquency date) |
| Up to 5 years late | Disabled veterans and surviving spouses (Tax Code §11.22) |
If you purchased your home mid-year and the previous owner did not claim a homestead exemption for that year, you may receive a prorated exemption from your move-in date. This provision has been available since the 2022 tax year.
Retroactive Filing: Getting Money Back for Missed Years
Forgot to file your homestead exemption? You can file retroactively for up to two prior tax years under Texas Tax Code §11.431.
Here is how it works:
- Complete Form 50-114 and check the “late application” box.
- Indicate the prior tax year(s) you want to claim.
- Submit to your county appraisal district.
- Once approved, the county tax assessor-collector will issue a refund within 60 days for any overpaid taxes.
The two-year window is measured from the delinquency date (typically February 1 of the year following the tax year). So in 2026, you can retroactively claim exemptions for the 2024 and 2025 tax years.
The refund amount depends on your home’s value and local tax rates, but for a $500,000 home in Travis County, retroactive filing for one missed year could recover $1,500 to $2,500. For two years, double that.
Moving Your Homestead: What Happens When You Buy a New Home
When you sell your current home and purchase a new one, your homestead exemption does not automatically follow you. You must:
- File a new homestead exemption application with the appraisal district in the county where the new home is located.
- Update your Texas driver’s license to reflect the new address.
- Apply for any additional exemptions you qualified for at the old home (over-65, disabled, disabled veteran).
If you close on your new home after January 1, you can still receive a prorated exemption for the remainder of that tax year, provided the previous owner did not already claim a homestead exemption on the property for that year.
For homeowners age 65 and older, remember that your school tax ceiling can transfer to the new property (see the over-65 section above). File the transfer application at the same time as your new homestead exemption.
For first-time buyers navigating this process, our Complete Guide to First-Time Homebuying in Austin walks through every step from contract to closing.
Homestead Exemption and Rental Properties
You cannot claim a homestead exemption on a property that is solely used as a rental or investment. The home must be your primary residence. However, there are some important nuances:
- Renting out a room or portion: If you rent out a room, a garage apartment, or even an ADU on the same property where you live, you can still claim the homestead exemption on the entire property. The key is that the property remains your primary residence.
- Temporary rental during a move: If you move out and rent your home, you lose the homestead exemption. The exemption applies only while you occupy the home.
- Investment property owners: If you own rental properties in addition to your primary home, the homestead exemption applies only to the home you live in. For guidance on investment property taxation, see our Complete Guide to Investment Property in Austin.
Temporary Absence: Military, Nursing Homes, and Extended Travel
Texas law allows you to maintain your homestead exemption during temporary absences, with specific rules:
- General absence: You can be away from your home for up to two years and maintain the exemption, as long as you do not establish a new primary residence elsewhere and do not rent the property.
- Military service: Active-duty military members deployed away from home maintain their exemption indefinitely, regardless of the length of deployment.
- Nursing home or assisted living: If you or your spouse move into a facility and the home remains unoccupied (or occupied by your spouse), the exemption continues. The home must remain your legal residence.
How the Homestead Exemption Affects Your Monthly Mortgage Payment
Most homeowners pay property taxes through their mortgage escrow account. When your homestead exemption is approved, your taxable value drops, which means your tax bill drops, which means your monthly escrow payment should decrease.
Here is a practical example for a $450,000 home in Cedar Park (Williamson County, Leander ISD):
| Scenario | Taxable Value (School) | Estimated Annual School Tax | Monthly Escrow Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No homestead exemption | $450,000 | $5,265 | $439/mo |
| With general homestead ($140K) | $310,000 | $3,627 | $302/mo |
| With over-65 ($200K total) | $250,000 | $2,925 | $244/mo |
That is a difference of $137 per month just on school taxes with the general homestead exemption. Over a 30-year mortgage, the cumulative savings exceed $49,000.
Contact your mortgage servicer after receiving your exemption confirmation. They should adjust your escrow automatically based on the updated tax bill, but it is worth confirming.
For a deeper look at how property taxes factor into your mortgage, see our Complete Guide to Getting a Mortgage in Austin.

Calculated Savings by Austin Metro Area
The actual dollar savings from a homestead exemption depend on your home’s value and the combined tax rate in your area. Here is what the general homestead exemption ($140,000 school district) saves homeowners in different parts of the Austin metro, using 2026 tax rates.
| Area | Median Home Value | School Rate (per $100) | Annual School Tax Savings | Total Estimated Annual Savings (All Entities) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westlake / Eanes ISD | $2,600,000 | $1.04 | $1,456 | $2,100 – $2,800 |
| Lakeway / Lake Travis ISD | $725,000 | $1.01 | $1,414 | $1,800 – $2,400 |
| Bee Cave / Lake Travis ISD | $650,000 | $1.01 | $1,414 | $1,700 – $2,300 |
| Dripping Springs / DSISD | $550,000 | $1.07 | $1,498 | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| Cedar Park / Leander ISD | $425,000 | $1.17 | $1,638 | $2,000 – $2,600 |
| Round Rock / RRISD | $400,000 | $1.10 | $1,540 | $1,900 – $2,500 |
| Georgetown / GISD | $380,000 | $1.13 | $1,582 | $1,900 – $2,400 |
| Central Austin / Austin ISD | $550,000 | $0.95 | $1,330 | $1,800 – $2,500 |
Note that areas with higher school tax rates (Cedar Park, Round Rock) actually produce larger school tax savings from the $140,000 exemption than areas with lower rates (Westlake, Austin ISD), even though home values are lower. The exemption is a fixed dollar amount, so it benefits homeowners in higher-rate districts proportionally more.
For details on how MUD and PID districts affect your total tax bill, that is a separate layer worth understanding.
Over-65 Savings: Tax Ceiling in Action
The over-65 tax ceiling creates compounding savings over time. Here is how it plays out for a homeowner in Round Rock who turned 65 in 2021 with a home valued at $350,000:
| Year | Appraised Value | School Tax Without Ceiling | School Tax With Ceiling | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 (ceiling set) | $350,000 | $2,310 | $2,310 | $0 |
| 2022 | $420,000 | $3,080 | $2,310 | $770 |
| 2023 | $440,000 | $3,300 | $2,310 | $990 |
| 2024 | $430,000 | $3,190 | $2,310 | $880 |
| 2025 | $445,000 | $2,695 | $2,310 | $385 |
| 2026 | $460,000 | $3,520 | $2,310 | $1,210 |
Over six years, the tax ceiling saved this homeowner $4,235 in school taxes alone. The longer you stay, the more the ceiling saves, because appraised values tend to rise over time while your ceiling stays fixed.
This is one reason Georgetown’s Sun City community and other 55-plus communities in the Hill Country are particularly attractive to retirees. According to Neuhaus Realty Group‘s analysis of the Austin metro market, buyers age 65 and older who lock in a tax ceiling early in ownership see their effective tax rate decline every year they stay.
Texas Homestead Protection from Creditors
The Texas homestead exemption is not just a tax benefit. Texas Constitution Article XVI, Section 50 provides some of the strongest homestead creditor protections in the country.
What Is Protected
Your homestead is protected from forced sale by most creditors. This protection has no dollar cap. Whether your home is worth $200,000 or $5,000,000, the full equity is protected. The only limits are acreage:
- Urban homestead: Up to 10 acres
- Rural homestead (single adult): Up to 100 acres
- Rural homestead (with dependents): Up to 200 acres
What Can Still Force a Sale
The homestead protection does not shield you from everything. These creditors can still foreclose:
- Mortgage lender: The bank that holds your purchase or refinance loan
- Property tax authorities: Delinquent property taxes create a tax lien that supersedes homestead protection
- Home equity loans (HELOCs): Voluntarily pledging your home as collateral
- Mechanic’s and materialman’s liens: Contractors who performed work on the property and were not paid
- HOA liens: In some cases, homeowners associations can foreclose for unpaid assessments
- Federal tax liens (IRS): The federal government can pursue the homestead, though this is relatively rare for primary residences
Homestead Protection in Bankruptcy
Texas allows bankruptcy filers to use state exemptions instead of the federal exemptions. Under Texas law, the homestead exemption in bankruptcy has no dollar cap, covering the full equity in your primary residence (within the acreage limits above).
There is one important federal override: if you acquired your homestead within 1,215 days (approximately 3 years and 4 months) before filing for bankruptcy, the federal Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act caps your exemption at $189,050 (2025 amount, adjusted periodically). This rule is designed to prevent people from buying an expensive Texas home shortly before filing bankruptcy to shelter assets.
If you have owned your Texas homestead for more than 1,215 days before a bankruptcy filing, the full unlimited Texas exemption applies.
This is one reason financial advisors often recommend Texas for asset protection planning. Unlike states that cap homestead exemptions at $50,000 or $100,000, Texas places no dollar limit on the equity protected in your primary residence. For homeowners with significant equity in high-value properties in areas like Westlake Hills or Bee Cave, this protection is substantial.
Common Mistakes That Cost Homeowners Money
- Never filing at all. Roughly 5% to 10% of Texas homeowners have never filed for their homestead exemption. If that is you, file today. You can recover up to two years of overpayments.
- Forgetting to file after buying a new home. Your exemption does not transfer automatically. Every time you purchase a new property, you must file a new application with the local appraisal district.
- Not updating your driver’s license. If your license shows your old address, the appraisal district may reject your application. Update it before you file.
- Missing the over-65 exemption. Turning 65 does not automatically activate the additional exemption and tax ceiling. You must file an updated application.
- Not filing for the surviving spouse exemption. When a spouse who held the over-65 or disabled veteran exemption passes away, the surviving spouse must file a new application. The exemption does not continue automatically.
- Assuming MUDs offer homestead exemptions. Many Municipal Utility Districts and special districts in the Austin area do not offer homestead exemptions. Check your specific district. See our article on how MUD and PID districts affect your property taxes for details.
- Not protesting your appraised value. The homestead exemption reduces your taxable value, but if your appraised value is inflated, you are still overpaying. File both the exemption and a property tax protest for maximum savings.
Homestead Exemption Checklist for New Homeowners
Use this checklist within 30 days of closing on your new home:
- ☐ Update your Texas driver’s license to the new address
- ☐ Download Form 50-114 from your county appraisal district website
- ☐ Complete the form (check all applicable exemption types)
- ☐ Attach a copy of your driver’s license
- ☐ Submit online, by mail, or in person to your county appraisal district
- ☐ If over 65: check the “age 65 or older” box and include proof of age
- ☐ If disabled: attach your SSA disability letter
- ☐ If disabled veteran: attach your VA rating letter
- ☐ If late filing: check the “late application” box and specify the tax year(s)
- ☐ Keep a copy of your submitted application for your records
- ☐ Follow up in 60 to 90 days if you have not received confirmation
- ☐ Notify your mortgage servicer after the exemption is approved
How the 2025 Proposition 13 Changes Affect You
Texas voters approved Proposition 13 in November 2025, authorizing the changes from Senate Bill 4 (89th Legislature). Here is what changed and what it means:
| Category | Before Prop 13 (2024) | After Prop 13 (2025+) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| School district general homestead | $100,000 | $140,000 | +$40,000 |
| School district over-65/disabled additional | $10,000 | $60,000 | +$50,000 |
| Combined over-65 school exemption | $110,000 | $200,000 | +$90,000 |
These increases apply automatically if you already have a homestead exemption on file. You do not need to reapply. If you turned 65 in 2025 or later, the new higher amount is applied from the start.
For homeowners already receiving the over-65 exemption, the additional $50,000 in school district exemption reduces your taxable value further, but your school tax ceiling stays in place. The net effect depends on whether the additional exemption pushes your taxable value low enough to produce a tax bill lower than your existing ceiling. If so, you pay the lower amount.
Homestead Exemption vs. Protesting Your Taxes
These are two separate strategies, and you should use both.
The homestead exemption reduces your taxable value by a fixed dollar amount. A property tax protest challenges your appraised value, the starting number from which exemptions are subtracted.
For example, if your home is appraised at $500,000 and you believe it should be $460,000, a successful protest reduces the starting value by $40,000. Then your $140,000 homestead exemption applies to the lower number, giving you a taxable value of $320,000 instead of $360,000.
File your homestead exemption once and it stays in effect. Protest your appraised value every year if it is too high. For a step-by-step guide, see our article on how to protest your Texas property taxes and our guide to using comparable sales in a protest.
Frequently Asked Questions
County Appraisal District Contact Information
Here is where to file your homestead exemption application in the Austin metro area:
| County | Appraisal District | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travis | Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) | 512-834-9138 | traviscad.org |
| Williamson | Williamson Central Appraisal District (WCAD) | 512-930-3787 | wcad.org |
| Hays | Hays Central Appraisal District | 512-268-2522 | hayscad.com |
| Bastrop | Bastrop Central Appraisal District | 512-303-1930 | bastropcad.org |
| Burnet | Burnet Central Appraisal District | 512-756-8291 | burnetcad.org |
All districts accept the same Form 50-114. Many allow online filing through their websites, which is the fastest option. If filing by mail, send it certified with return receipt to confirm delivery before the April 30 deadline.
Next Steps: Protect Your Largest Investment
The homestead exemption is the single easiest way to reduce your Texas property tax bill. Filing takes about 15 minutes, costs nothing, and saves you $1,400 to $4,600 or more every single year.
If you have not filed yet, do it now. If you missed prior years, file retroactively and recover your overpayments. If you are turning 65, apply for the additional exemption and tax ceiling. If you are a disabled veteran, make sure you are getting every dollar of exemption you have earned.
For questions about how property taxes affect home values and buying decisions across the Austin metro and Hill Country, reach out to the team at Neuhaus Realty Group. Understanding tax exemptions is a critical part of evaluating any home purchase, and getting it right from day one can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your ownership.