TexasOver65PropertyTaxExemptions
Did you know that Texas property tax code makes special provisions for adults aged 65 or older?AccordingtoTaxCodeSection11.13(c),toqualifyfortheover-65propertytaxexemption, apropertyownermustbe65orolder,andresideinthehomeastheirprincipalresidence.
The primary benefit of the Texas over-65 property tax exemption is that it freezes school taxes on the property, meaning they will NOT go up, even when the property value or tax rate increases. The only reason school property taxes are permitted to increase is when a home is remodeledtoincludeanenlargementorimprovement,howeverrepairandreplacementofaroof, heating,ventilation,andairconditioning(HVAC)isconsideredmaintenance,notimprovementto aproperty
The tax code also qualifies individuals who are disabled. A disabled person must meet the definitionandqualificationsundertheFederalOld-Age,SurvivorsandDisabilityInsuranceAct.A homeownercanobtaineithertheover-65orthedisabilityexemptionbutnotboth.Thedisability exemption is available to those legally disabled and has the same outcome as the over-65 exemption.Amarriedcouplecanobtainonehomesteadexemption.
With the November 2023 adoption of Senate Bill 2, the Texas homestead exemption for school taxes has increased to $100,000 and those 65 and older will continue to qualify for an additional $10,000, bringing theirtotalexemptionto$110,000.
Not only do Texas homeowners over 65 receive the benefit on the school tax portion of their bill, but Texas taxcodealsorequiresthatlocaltaxentities,suchasthe city, county, and other special districts provide homeownersovertheageof65withanexemptionofat least$3,000fortaxingunitsotherthanschool.
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qualify for this exemption the individual must be of age 65 or older If the individual is interested in this exemption,youmustsubmitproofofyourage.Thiscan bedonewithacopyofyourdriver’slicenseoryourbirth certificate. In cases where the 65 or older homeowner dies, the surviving spouse continues to receive the exemption. However, to qualify, the spouse must be 55 years or older, must live in the house, own it, and apply for the exemption. For a disabled person who is 65 or older, he/she can receive both exemptions during the sameyear,butthetaxingunitsmustdiffer
APPLYINGFORTHEADDITIONAL$10,000 EXEMPTION
After you turn 65, you have up to one year to apply to yourappraisaldistrict.
Once your application is approved by the appraisal district, you will receive the exemption for the entire year you turned 65. Since 2005, you will automatically receive the exemption without applying if your DOB is mentioned on the original homestead application form or any other written document submitted to the appraisal district about your homestead. However, you mustbeentitledtoageneralhomesteadexemption.
TYPESOFEXEMPTIONS
Along with the $100,000 for school districts, homeowners over 65 qualify for a $10,000 homestead exemption. Ifthehomeowner qualifies forbothage65andthedisabled exemption, the owner can choose only one among the two for the school district taxes. Both exemptions cannotbereceived.
In situations where the county appraisal districts collect tax for flood control and other taxing entities, homeowners are allowed at least $3,000 as an exemption on their county taxes, in somecountiestheamountmaybemore.
At the discretion of the taxing unit, an optional exemption can be offered at up to 20% of the valueofahomeowner’sresidence.ThismustbedecidedpriortoJuly1stofthetaxyearandthe exemptioncannotbelessthan$5,000.
Furthermore, should property owners who qualify for the over 65 exemption purchase or move toadifferentresidenceinTexas,theycantransferthepercentageoftheschooltaxespaid.This willbebasedontheprevioushome’sschooltaxceilingandistermedCeilingTransfer Forthis, homeownerswillhavetorelocatewithinthesametaxingunit.Ifthenewhouseisinadifferent district,acertificatefromtheappraisaldistrictfortheprevioushomeisrequiredanditmustbe takentotheappraisaldistrictwherethenewhouseislocated.
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By:PatrickO'Connor|Postedon05/18/2021with26comments
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