One of the top priorities of Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick in the 2019 Legislative session is going to be a major move for property tax relief.
State Senator Paul Bettencourt said homestead exemption is the single best tax cut for Texas taxpaying homeowners—where they can save thousands of dollars every year.
“You have, not only a state exemption of $25,000 that you get off on your independent school district taxes, but especially in the Houston area, many, many taxing jurisdictions have 20 percent off your bill if you qualify for a homestead exemption,” said Bettencourt.
To qualify, you need to make sure your driver license address matches your house address, or you're over the age of 65.
Bettencourt said people are literally being taxed out of their homes and businesses.
“Part of the problem that has led to explosions of tax bills, with Harris County actually being the epicenter on the increases of the state, we’re just not cutting tax rates when values go through the roof,” said Bettencourt.
He said hearings will start this fall.
Bettencourt expects there will be a high demand to slow down the rate of property tax growth and urge that as values go up, tax rates need to come down.
Texans who are disabled, elderly or veterans also get discounts.
In Harris County, an over 65 aged homeowner, doesn't pay any county taxes, until they have a value that's higher than $200-thousand a year.
Eligible Texas, homeowners can get up to a $25,000 school homestead exemption, if their school district taxes usually make up more than half of a property tax bill.
The Texas Comptroller property tax assistance states that disabled Texans and those who are 65 years old and older are eligible to receive an additional $10,000 school homestead exemption. But, if both elderly and disabled, they must choose one and cannot receive both exemptions.
Homestead exemptions can also be offered by:
· Individual Texas cities, counties and community college districts –for residents who are 65 and older.
· Public hospital districts;
· Special utility districts;
· School boards;
· City councils;
· Residents can also petition officials for discounts.
TexVet reports that disabled veterans and the surviving spouses of deceased veterans are eligible for exemptions. In Harris County only, 100 percent disabled veterans and their surviving spouses do not have to pay any property taxes. The VA determines exemptions for partially disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.