Press Room

RELEASE: COMMISSIONER GARCIA PROPOSES PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR SENIORS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

 COMMISSIONER GARCIA PROPOSES PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR SENIORS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Plan will provide much needed relief to Homeowners from Harris County Property Taxes

Harris County, TX — Today, Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia announces will be putting an item on the next Commissioners Court Agenda (May 19, 2020) to extend the Harris County Homeowners Property Tax Exemption for seniors and disabled homeowners. The plan would eliminate county property tax liability for seniors 65 years of age and older as well as disabled homeowners and disabled military veterans, with homes valued at $286,200 or less. Qualifying homeowners with homes valued at $286,200 or more would save at least $350 next year (and annually going forward) on their property tax bills.

This is the first update to the Homeowners Exemption since 2008, and according to a Budget Management Department analysis commissioned by Commissioner Garcia’s office in 2019, the plan would be revenue neutral. The exemption also eliminates tax liability for Harris Health and Harris County Flood Control for homeowners qualifying for the exemption. If the plan is approved, it would take effect for this year’s tax bills.

 “I hope my fellow members of Commissioners Court will approve this plan to increase these exemptions without delay. This would be the first time in twelve years that we will have brought meaningful tax reform to Harris County homeowners, and given that seniors and homeowners are particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to step up and help right away. In addition, the added exemption is long overdue to negate the adverse impact of rising appraisal values is having on families across Harris County,” said Commissioner Adrian Garcia, “I’m proud to be the first Commissioner to submit this in 12 years and put money back into the pockets of hardworking families, many who have been directly impacted due to COVID-19.” 

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:

In 1984, the Over-65/Disabled Exemption amount was increased to $156,240 and the homestead exemption was established at 40%. The most recent update to the exemption was in 2008.