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 Exemption: $10,000 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.
What is the Over-65 Property Tax Exemption in Texas?
You are eligible for the over-65 tax exemption in Texas the year you turn 65, but you can apply anytime during the calendar year you turn 65. This over-65 or senior exemption is combined with another, known as the statewide Texas homestead exemption. Both are designed to reduce the taxable value of your property, making homeownership more affordable. To qualify, you must be 65, own the home, and use it as your primary residence.
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 the breakdown:
Homestead exemption: All homeowners in Texas are entitled to the homestead exemption, which reduces the assessed value of their homes by $100,000 ($110,000 for seniors). This could increase to $140,000 for all homeowners and $150,000 for seniors based on the results of the November 2025 election in Texas.
Counties can also offer an additional $3,000 off, and other entities may provide additional exemptions up to 20% of your home’s value.
Texas over-65 property tax exemption: Deduct an extra $10,000 of school district taxes from the taxable value of your property if you or your spouse is over 65.
Once approved for this exemption, a tax ceiling is set. Even if school district taxes increase over the years, your amount remains frozen unless you make substantial improvements to the property, e.g., converting a garage or adding a pool.
Exemption Type | Current Law (2025) | Proposed For Nov. 2025 Vote |
|---|---|---|
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 |
Can I Combine the Over-65 Exemption With Other Exemptions?
The state legislature is currently considering Senate Bill 23, and will vote in November 2025 to increase the Texas property tax exemption for individuals over 65 from $10,000 to $60,000. Another bill suggests codifying the homestead exemption to $200,000 for seniors, which would result in a significant number of seniors paying no school district property taxes.
You can combine exemptions as long as you qualify for each one. A basic homeowner over 65 is eligible for both the general homestead exemption and the over-65 exemption, which stack together.
If I Am Disabled, Can I Receive Both the Over-65 and Disabled Exemptions?
If the Social Security Administration has designated you as disabled, you qualify for a $10,000 exemption on school taxes. You can claim either the over-65 exemption or the disability exemption, but not both.
In Texas, local taxing units set property taxes, and their exemption amounts can vary. The disability exemption is the clear choice if you're under 65. It's also advantageous if you receive Social Security disability benefits, as it allows you to freeze your school tax liability before age 65.
Will I Lose the Benefits of the Standard Homestead Exemption?
The over-65 exemption doesn’t replace or remove the standard homestead exemption. When you’re approved for the age exemption, it stacks on top of the homestead. You don’t need to choose between the two. Rather, they combine to decrease the taxable value of your primary home, so when taxes are assessed each year, you save money.
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
Do I Need to Apply Every Year?
In most cases, you only need to apply once to qualify for exemptions. However, always notify the appraisal district if your primary residence changes.
You’re eligible to apply anytime during the year you or your spouse turns 65.
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 deadline to apply is April 30. After submission, you will receive a confirmation letter.
Does the Over-65 Exemption Stop All Property Tax Increases?
The over-65 exemption capped school taxes; however, there may be other entities, such as city or county taxes, that increase each year. Other things that may trigger a cap increase include:
Major home improvements or additions
Transfers to a new home
Death of homeowner when spouse is under 55
Boundary changes or annexations
Want to See How Much You Could Save?
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 homeowners apply for homestead exemptions for that year and retroactively for up to two years across most U.S. states. 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!
