What Is the Property Tax Exemption for Over 65 in Texas?
Once Texas homeowners turn 65, they should acknowledge a considerable tax break available that can ease the cost of staying in the home. Property tax exemption for over 65 in Texas can have a lowering impact on annual property taxes —and in some cases, lock them in place for good.
Texas presents a $10,000 property tax exemption on top of the standard homestead exemption for qualified seniors. In specific areas, it should be noted that there is also a $12,000 homestead exemption and an over 65 property tax freeze on school district taxes. They simply aid protecting against rising tax bills in retirement. Together, such savings can make a real difference for seniors who manage their fixed incomes.
In this guide, we present the key benefits as outlined below:
How the senior tax exemption in Texas works
Details on the Texas school tax exemption for seniors
The freeze on school district taxes
How to qualify and apply in your local county
Yes—Texas Offers a Property Tax Break for Homeowners Over 65
If individuals are 65 or older and own a home in Texas, they qualify for a $10,000 property tax exemption on their school district taxes. It should be recognized that this is part of the Texas school tax exemption for seniors and applies in addition to the standard $40,000 general homestead exemption—and brings total school tax exemption to $50,000.
Fortunately, savings don’t stop there. Local governments—cities, counties, and special taxing districts—present optional senior exemptions as well. They generally range from $3,000 to $25,000. It simply signifies the full senior tax exemption in Texas can considerably lower the property tax bill, especially if you’ve built up equity in the home over the years.
Specific areas might even provide a $12,000 homestead exemption for seniors in place of or in addition to local reductions. It’s worth checking with the relevant appraisal district in order to find out exactly what is applied in your area.
How Much Will You Save?
The amount to be saved with the property tax exemption for over 65 in Texas changes in accordance with where you live. Each taxing unit—the school district, city, county, or special district—applies its own particular exemptions and certain rates.
We present an example below to demonstrate the Texas school tax exemption for seniors:
Example:
Home value: $300,000
General homestead exemption: $40,000
Over-65 school exemption: $10,000
The taxable value for school taxes drops from $300,000 to $250,000 with the general homestead exemption. Afterwards, to $240,000 thanks to the $10,000 property tax exemption Texas offers to seniors.
That $60,000 reduction could trim several hundred dollars from the yearly tax bill. And along with added local benefits—like a $12,000 homestead exemption or an over 65 property tax freeze Texas—seniors might enjoy long-term savings in the thousands.
What Else Comes with Turning 65?
In addition to the $10,000 property tax exemption Texas provides for homeowners 65 and older, there is another key benefit: the over 65 property tax freeze Texas offers on school district taxes.
Once individuals qualify for the senior tax exemption Texas and apply through their local appraisal district, their school property taxes are frozen at the amount they pay in the year they turn 65. Even if the home’s value increases or school tax rates rise, the school district taxes won’t go up—unless major improvements or additions are made to the home.
Local governments may also present extra exemptions alongside with the state-mandated ones. Depending on the location like city, county, or special district, you could fulfill eligibility for additional savings. It may cover a $12,000 homestead exemption. This combination of exemptions and the school tax freeze present assistance in protecting seniors from rising housing costs and financial stability during retirement is supported.
What Is the $12,000 Exemption I Keep Hearing About?
It should be acknowledged that the $12,000 homestead exemption is not a statewide benefit—it is one of several local senior tax exemptions presented by specific counties, cities, or special districts in Texas. Such optional exemptions are designed to establish additional relief beyond the standard property tax exemption for over 65 in Texas. Depending on the location of where the senior lives, the local tax authority might present the below elements:
A flat-dollar exemption (like $12,000), or
A percentage-based exemption on the home’s assessed value
Seniors should contact their County Appraisal District (CAD) in order to find out if they satisfy qualification criteria. Each taxing unit might obtain its own guidelines for the senior tax exemption Texas provides.
Do You Automatically Get the Exemption at 65?
No—seniors do not receive the property tax exemption for over 65 in Texas automatically. It is true that turning 65 makes them eligible for both the senior tax exemption Texas offers and the over 65 property tax freeze Texas provides on school district taxes. Yet, they will still need to apply through their local County Appraisal District. The following steps should be followed when applying:
Submitting Form 50-114 (Residence Homestead Exemption Application) to the relevant local CAD
Including proof of age, like a driver’s license that matches the property address
Applying by April 30 in order to qualify for the current tax year
Missed the deadline? Qualification retroactively is still possible for up to two years
Once approved, the exemption stays in place as long as the home remains your primary residence. This step is necessary to receive the $10,000 property tax exemption Texas provides to seniors, the over 65 property tax freeze Texas applies to school taxes, and any local benefits such as a $12,000 homestead exemption.
Recap: What Seniors in Texas Can Claim
If you have turned 65—or are aiding someone who has—what can be claimed in line with the property tax exemption for over 65 in Texas is presented below:
$10,000 exemption from school district taxes
$40,000 general homestead exemption
Over 65 property tax freeze on school taxes
Optional local senior tax exemptions (often $3,000–$25,000)
A one-time application—once approved, the exemptions and freeze stay in place unless the primary residence changes
Real Savings, Real Simplicity
It should be recognized that the Texas school tax exemption for seniors, combined with local options like the $12,000 homestead exemption, can present major relief with property values rising across the state. Such benefits are particularly helpful for homeowners on fixed incomes and make sure that they aren’t pushed out by higher tax bills.
If you are unsure about qualification details, documentation criterion, or how to make the most of the exemptions, our team at Dimov Partners is ready to present expert assistance. We proudly provide tax planning and support services custom-tailored to Texans at every stage of life.
Need help applying for your senior exemption or reviewing your tax position? Contact Dimov Partners today—we’re here to make property tax relief simple and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do property taxes go down when you turn 65 in Texas?
The $10,000 property tax exemption Texas presents for school taxes can lower the bill by hundreds each year. Moreover, local exemptions may add more savings.
Do seniors get a property tax break in Texas?
Yes. The senior tax exemption Texas provides includes school tax relief, a general homestead exemption, and potential local reductions.
What is the tax exemption for seniors?
It’s a combination of the $10,000 school exemption, the $40,000 general homestead exemption, and local senior exemptions where available.
Do you get a tax break when you turn 65?
Yes—but you should apply for the property tax exemption for over 65 in Texas with the appraisal district using Form 50-114.
What is a $12000 property tax exemption?
This refers to optional local senior exemptions—some areas offer a $12,000 homestead exemption, but it varies by jurisdiction.