Property taxes in Texas can be a significant expense for homeowners. Fortunately, the State of Texas offers several powerful property tax exemptions that can reduce your tax burden, especially for homeowners over 65, individuals with disabilities, and disabled veterans. Understanding how these exemptions work can help you save thousands of dollars over time.
Below, we break down the most important Texas property tax exemptions and how to qualify.
If you are 65 years of age or older and own your home as your primary residence, you may qualify for the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption.
Once you qualify for the Over-65 exemption, your school district taxes are frozen at the amount you pay in the year you qualify. Even if your home value increases, your school taxes generally cannot increase, unless you make significant physical improvements to the home (like adding a pool or a new room). This can create substantial long-term savings.
Homeowners who qualify as disabled under Social Security disability guidelines may receive the Disabled Person Homestead Exemption.
You cannot receive both the Over-65 and Disabled Person exemption at the same time. However, the appraisal district will automatically apply whichever exemption provides the greater financial benefit to you.
Texas offers some of the strongest property tax benefits in the country for military veterans.
Veterans with a VA disability rating may qualify for a property tax exemption based on their disability percentage. The exemption amounts vary depending on the exact disability rating assigned by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans who are rated 100% disabled (or who receive Individual Unemployability benefits) may qualify for a 100% exemption of property taxes on their primary residence.
This means:
This is arguably one of the most valuable property tax exemptions available in the state of Texas.
To receive these benefits, you must file an application with your local county appraisal district. (For example: Harris County Appraisal District, Fort Bend Central Appraisal District, or Montgomery County Appraisal District).
The standard form used statewide is the Texas Homestead Exemption Application (Form 50-114).
Many Texas homeowners qualify for exemptions but never apply. Furthermore, even with an exemption, your property may still be over-appraised.
PropertyTaxes.Law can review your property to determine whether you are receiving every tax benefit available under Texas law. We offer risk-free property tax protest services.
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