Property Tax Houston

Houston Property Tax Exemptions and Other Options For Seniors and the Disabled

Property taxes are a tax based on the appraised value of your home or another real estate. They are levied by the local governments or taxing units that collect them to pay for services and expenses such as schools, roads, fire departments, and other public agencies. Property Tax Houston

The property tax rates of individual city, county, and school districts vary based on the amount of revenue they need each year. The rate is set by the taxing unit, based on the yearly budget, and it is then multiplied by the appraised value of your home or other property.

If your home or other property is appraised at less than its fair market value, you can apply for an exemption that will reduce the amount of property tax owed. There are several types of exemptions, including a general homestead exemption, a surviving spouse exemption, and a disabled person exemption.

Getting an exemption will significantly lower your property tax bill and help keep it affordable for you. You can get more information about property tax exemptions and other programs at the Houston County Assessor’s Office or by visiting their website.

You can also speak with a financial advisor in the area who can help you understand how property taxes and homeownership fit into your overall financial goals. You can use a free tool from SmartAsset to match you with up to three vetted advisors who are available to interview at no cost.

A new homestead tax exemption will be available in Houston beginning January 1, according to Mayor Sylvester Turner. This means that homeowners who are 65 years old or older will be able to exempt a portion of the appraised value of their homes from property taxes, helping to make them more affordable.

In addition, seniors who are receiving disability benefits can postpone paying property taxes on their homes through a special deferral program. They can do this by submitting an affidavit to the Harris Central Appraisal District.

This enables them to avoid property tax delinquency and penalties until they can no longer qualify for the exemption, which typically lasts a set period of time depending on your age and other factors.

Those who are disabled and senior citizens may also qualify for a tax deferral program, which allows them to defer paying taxes on their home until they no longer meet the requirements. This program, which is called the Disabled Persons Homestead Exemption, was introduced to Houston in 2005 to help seniors stay in their homes and remain financially stable. 

The homestead tax exemption program is just one of the many ways Houstonians can save on property taxes and enjoy a better quality of life. If you are a homeowner and would like to learn more about the Houston homestead exemption or other options for lowering your property taxes, contact the Houston County Assessor’s Office today.