Over 65 Exemption Explained

Property Tax Exemptions are a great way to save money on your tax bill. Property Tax Exemptions are determined at the state level so they can vary state to state. Furthermore, county assessors decide which exemptions to offer their property owners. In this article, we will specifically cover Property Tax Exemptions for those over the age of 65. 

A majority of states offer tax exemptions for senior citizens. This is because most senior citizens are retired and living on a fixed income. Without this exception, many citizens could be priced out of their homes due to escalating property taxes. The year you turn 65, you are eligible to claim an Over 65 Exemption on your homestead. 

Be sure to apply to your local appraisal district for this Property Tax Exemption when you turn 65. 

Key Benefits and Features of the Over 65 Property Tax Exemption: 

• Provides more savings above the typical Homestead Exemption. 
• Limits the tax you pay to your local school district. The Independent School District (ISD) tax bill you receive on the year you turn 65 will remain that amount in the years to come. This is effectively and commonly called a freeze or ceiling on your school property tax. The school taxes on your house may go below the ceiling, but not above. 
• Allows for the deferral of paying property taxes on your homestead as long as you own and live in the property. It will accrue 8% interest each year which will be due once the property has sold or transfers ownership. 
• The surviving spouse of someone who received the Over 65 Property Tax Exemption is qualified to receive the same benefits if they are 55 or older on the day the spouse died. 
• If you turn 65 after January 1, you will receive the exemption for the entire year. 

Requirements 

• In most cases, you must apply for the Over 65 Property Tax Exemption. 
• The property owner must be 65 years of age or older. 
• The property address you are applying for must match the address on your government issued ID. 

An exception to the Over 65 Property Tax Exemption occurs if property improvements are done to the home. This is for improvements beyond the scope of normal repairs and upkeep and would include additions adding square footage or other intrinsic value to the home and major repairs. Your Property taxes may be adjusted to account for the value of the improvements. 

For more information on the Over 65 Property Tax Exemption, it’s best to call into your county’s appraisal district or county assessor.