Texas Senior Property Tax Exemption Guide (2026)
Last Updated: April 2026
Texas Proposition 11 Update (November 2025)
Texas voters approved Prop 11, raising the mandatory over-65 additional school tax exemption from $10,000 to $60,000. Combined with the $140,000 standard homestead exemption, Texas seniors now exempt $200,000 from school district taxes — the most generous senior property tax benefit in the United States.
Calculate your estimated savings with the updated 2026 exemption amounts.
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Texas Over-65 Exemption: What You Get
| Benefit | Amount | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Homestead Exemption | $140,000 off school taxes | None |
| Over-65 Additional Exemption | $60,000 additional off school taxes | None |
| Total School Tax Exemption | $200,000 combined | None |
| School Tax Freeze | Locks school bill permanently | None |
| Property Tax Deferral | 100% deferral at 5% interest | None |
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Confirm your eligibility: You must be 65 or older as of January 1 of the tax year, own the home, and use it as your primary residence.
- Download Form 50-114: Get the Application for Residential Homestead Exemption from your County Appraisal District website or from the Texas Comptroller at comptroller.texas.gov.
- Gather your documents: Texas driver's license or ID showing your home address, and your date of birth. If your ID shows a different address, bring additional proof of residency (utility bill, voter registration).
- Submit to your County Appraisal District: File in person, by mail, or online (many counties accept online submissions). The standard deadline is April 30, but late applications are accepted up to 2 years after the deadline.
- Confirmation: You will receive written confirmation of your exemption approval, typically within 30–90 days. Check your county's online portal to verify the exemption appears on your account.
County-Specific Exemption Amounts
| County | Total Over-65 Exemption | Local Additional | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harris County | $160,000 | $0 | April 30 |
| Dallas County | $160,000 | $0 | April 30 |
| Travis County | $245,000 | $85,000 local | April 30 |
| Bexar County | $160,000 | $0 | April 30 |
| Tarrant County | $160,000 | $0 | April 30 |
| Fort Bend County | $160,000 | $0 | April 30 |
The $160,000 figure represents the state minimum ($140,000 homestead + $20,000 county-level over-65, which many counties adopt). Travis County adds an extraordinary $85,000 local exemption on top.
Missed prior years? Use our Retroactive Refund Calculator to see what you can recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Texas Proposition 11 change?
Proposition 11, passed by Texas voters in November 2025, raised the mandatory over-65 additional exemption from $10,000 to $60,000. Combined with the $140,000 standard homestead exemption, seniors now exempt $200,000 from school district taxes. This took effect for the 2026 tax year.
Do I need to reapply to get the new higher exemption amount?
No. If you already have an approved over-65 exemption on file with your County Appraisal District, the higher amount applies automatically starting in 2026. You do not need to reapply. If you have never applied, now is the time — file Form 50-114 with your county.
What is the school tax freeze and how do I get it?
Once you receive the over-65 exemption, your school district tax bill is automatically frozen at that year's level. The freeze is a ceiling — your school taxes can never increase above the amount you paid in the year the exemption was approved. They can decrease if the district lowers its rate.
Is there an income limit for the Texas over-65 exemption?
No. The standard Texas homestead exemption and the over-65 additional exemption have no income limits. Anyone who is 65 or older, owns the home, and lives in it as their primary residence qualifies.
Can I defer my remaining Texas property taxes?
Yes. In addition to the exemption, Texas seniors can defer 100% of their remaining property taxes at 5% annual interest. The deferred amount becomes a lien on the property and is repaid when the home is sold. There is no income limit for the deferral.
What if I missed the April 30 deadline?
Texas allows late filing. You can file a late over-65 exemption application for up to 2 years after the original deadline. You will receive a retroactive exemption and refund for those years. After 2 years, the opportunity is lost, so file as soon as possible.