Everything You Need to Know About Texas Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors
Homeowners who are 65 and older qualify for the Texas property tax exemptions for seniors. The tax exemption can differ for everyone depending on when you apply. Read on to find out more.
Property tax in Texas is a locally administered tax that brings the most money to the local government and is used to pay for schools, roads, public services, parks, and more, which means that it is not a state-administered tax. Texas offers a range of partial and total exemptions on the property, but with strict criteria. As experts in tax certificates, we also know everything about Texas property tax exemptions and the way you may be exempted from tax, either wholly or partially.
The most common tax reduction is the Texas property tax exemption for seniors, which has its own requirements and benefits for seniors, helping them save money on tax deductions. Read below to find out more.
What is The Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption?
The senior citizen property tax exemption is similar to the disability exemption. The local government exempts people over 65 and the legally disabled from paying extra school property tax and significantly reduces other tax entities they have to pay, such as those due to the city or county.
In simple terms, the tax exemptions cap the maximum seniors have to pay. The Texas property tax cap for seniors means that the tax they pay for school property never increases. All homeowners over 65 qualify for the standard $25,000 homestead exemption.
What Texas Over-65 Tax Exemptions are Available to Seniors?
The property tax exemptions for senior citizens in Texas offer a range of available dispensations. The different tax exemption types that senior citizens may receive include the following.
School District Taxes
A $40,000 residence homestead exemption on school district tax is given to all homestead owners.
To qualify for the school district taxes exemption, you must:
- Be age 65 or older
- Live in the property as your primary residence
- Have an ownership interest in the property
If the senior citizen dies, their spouse can continue to receive the residence homestead exemption on their behalf, given that the spouse is 55 or above and follows the exact requirements.
For disabled citizens, the school district tax exemption is given as long as they meet the definition of a disabled person and get insurance under the Federal Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Act. Moreover, a disabled senior citizen can receive both exemptions annually from different taxing units.
County Taxes
The Texas over 65 property tax exemption may also offer county tax exemption if your county is collecting special tax for flood control, roads, or other similar reasons; senior citizens are allowed a residence homestead of $3000 exemption for the tax.
Age 65 or Older Disabled Exemptions
In addition to the $40,000 tax exemption to all homeowners, citizens aged 65 or older and residence homestead owners that fit the legal description of disabled are qualified for a $10,000 exemption on school district tax. According to the Tax Code Section 11.13(c), Texas requires school districts to offer an extra $10,000 residence homestead exemption.
Optional Percentage Exemption
A taxing unit can offer a 20% exemption of the residence homestead value equal to or greater than $5000.
Optional age 65 or older or disabled exemptions
The Tax Code Section 11.13(d) allows the taxing unit to adopt a local optional residence homestead exception, which has to be more than $3000.
Do I Qualify for Property Tax Exemptions For Senior Citizens
You qualify for the Texas property tax code exemptions as soon as you turn 65. To claim your exemption, you must submit proof of your age, which can easily be done through a copy of your birth certificate or driver's license. You will also have to submit an application form and the required documents.
Once you turn 65, you have one year to apply for the additional $10,000 property tax exemptions for senior citizens, which you will receive once your application is approved.
Get Help With Property Tax For Seniors in Texas
If you think you qualify for the exemption on property tax for seniors in Texas but need help understanding how to go about the process, get help from CertSimple. We are a family-owned, customer-centric company that services all 254 counties in Texas including Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth.
Call us at (800) 806-3639 or fill out our form online, and we will get back to you promptly.