If you are over 65, a homeowner, and a Texas resident, you're eligible for tax savings you may not even be aware of. Owning a home comes with many hidden expenses, and we want to help you understand how to maximize property tax savings. There are multiple property tax exemptions available, and we'll walk you through some of the most common questions about eligibility, how to apply, and how to get the most out of the benefits you're entitled to.
Key Takeaways for Texas Homeowners Over 65:
Standard 65+ Exemption: $60,000 off school district taxes.
Primary Benefit: Freezes your school district tax amount (the "tax ceiling").
Eligibility: Must be 65, own your home, and use it as your primary residence.
Application Form: Use Form 50-114.
Deadline: Apply anytime in the year you turn 65; April 30 is the deadline for the next tax year.
Unsure Which Exemptions You Qualify For?
What is the Over-65 Property Tax Exemption in Texas?
The Over-65 Exemption is a Texas property tax break that reduces your taxable home value by an additional $60,000 for school district taxes and freezes your school tax bill at that year's amount. It stacks with the $140,000 general homestead exemption, meaning qualifying seniors can shield up to $200,000 from school district taxation. To qualify, you must meet these criteria:
Age: At least 65 years old (you can apply the year you turn 65).
Ownership: You must own the property.
Residency: The home must be your primary residence.
You can apply at any time during the calendar year you turn 65. The over-65 exemption stacks with the statewide Texas homestead exemption. Note that you don't choose between them; both automatically reduce your taxable value once approved.
If your spouse lives with you and is under 65, you can still receive the exemption. You'll need to submit a Form 50-114 and provide proof of age in some situations when applying.
Property taxes in Texas fund public schools, county governments, and city or municipality departments. Here's how the two main exemptions work:
General homestead exemption: Reduces your assessed value by $140,000. Counties may add $3,000, and some entities offer up to 20% of your home's value. Learn more at the Texas Governor's website.
Over-65 exemption: Deducts an additional $60,000 from school district taxes and sets a tax ceiling—your school tax bill is frozen at the year you qualify, even if rates rise later.
The tax ceiling adjusts only if you make substantial improvements (converting a garage, adding a pool) or move to a new home.
Exemption Type | Previous Amount ('23-'25) | New Amount ('26- TBD) |
|---|---|---|
General Homestead | $100,000 | $140,000 (via SB 4) |
Over-65 (School Tax) | Additional $10,000 | Additional $60,000 (via SB 23) |
Total for Seniors | $110,000 | $200,000 |
Do I Need to Apply Every Year?
No. You apply once, and the exemption stays on your property until you sell or change your primary residence. Notify your appraisal district if you move.
Get the Correct Form: Download Form 50-114, the Application for Residence Homestead Exemption, from the Texas Comptroller's website or your local County Appraisal District (CAD) office (e.g., the Travis Central Appraisal District)
Gather Your Documents: You will need proof of age and ownership. A Texas driver's license or ID is usually sufficient, as your deed is often already on file.
Important: Ensure the address on your ID matches the property address listed on the application.
Complete the Application: When filling out the form, be sure to check the boxes for both the "General Residence Homestead Exemption" and the "Over-65 Exemption."
Submit Your Application: You can typically submit the completed form online or by mail to your county's appraisal district. The general application deadline is April 30. After submission, you will receive a confirmation letter.
Will I Lose the Benefits of the Standard Homestead Exemption?
No. The over-65 exemption stacks on top of the standard homestead exemption; you keep both. Together, they reduce your taxable value by up to $200,000 for school district taxes.
Can I Combine the Over-65 Exemption With Other Exemptions?
Yes. Exemptions stack as long as you qualify for each one. A homeowner over 65 automatically receives both the $140,000 general homestead exemption and the $60,000 over-65 exemption—totaling $200,000 off the school district's taxable value.
This combined exemption became possible after voters approved Senate Bill 23 in November 2025, raising the over-65 exemption from $10,000 to $60,000. For many seniors, this means zero school district property taxes.
If I Am Disabled, Can I Receive Both the Over-65 and Disabled Exemptions?
No. Both exemptions provide a $60,000 reduction on school taxes and freeze your school tax bill, but you can claim only one.
Which to choose: If you're under 65 and receiving Social Security disability, file for the disability exemption now; it locks in your tax ceiling sooner. Once you turn 65, you can switch to the over-65 exemption if your circumstances change.
What Happens to the Exemption if a Spouse Passes Away?
If a homeowner who receives the age exemption passes away, the surviving spouse can keep the exemption as long as they meet the following requirements:
Be at least 55 at the time of the spouse's passing
Keep the home as their primary residence
File the appropriate paperwork (Form 50-114) with their local county appraisal district to continue receiving the exemption
Does the Over-65 Exemption Stop All Property Tax Increases?
No. The exemption freezes only your school district taxes at the amount set in your first year of eligibility. City, county, and special district taxes can still rise.
Your school tax ceiling may also be adjusted if:
Major improvements: Adding square footage, a pool, or converting a garage.
New primary residence: Moving triggers a recalculation based on the new home's value.
Surviving spouse under 55: The ceiling ends if the qualifying homeowner dies and the spouse is younger than 55.
Boundary changes: Annexations into new taxing jurisdictions can reset rates.
Want to See How Much You Could Save?
Unsure Which Exemptions You Qualify For?
The filing process can be tedious and confusing, but at Ownwell, we have tax experts ready to help you file, understand, or appeal your property taxes.
Ownwell can help Texas homeowners apply for homestead exemptions for that year and for up to 2 prior years. We never collect money unless you save, and provide cost-effective, stress-free solutions to lower your tax liability. Check which exemptions you qualify for today!
