I recently had a conversation with my in-laws about property taxes and discovered something I honestly assumed had already been taken care of. They turned 65 last year but had never applied for the additional over-65 homestead exemption.

It was a good reminder that these things don't always happen automatically. If you or someone in your family is approaching 65, this is one property tax benefit Texas homeowners should know about.

What Changes When You Turn 65?

Texas homeowners who are 65 or older may qualify for an additional residence homestead exemption on the home they own and use as their principal residence.

For school district taxes, qualifying homeowners receive an additional $60,000 exemption. Other local taxing entities may offer additional exemptions as well.

But there's another important benefit that often gets described as having your property taxes "frozen."

What Does the Over-65 Tax Freeze Actually Mean?

"Freeze" is convenient shorthand, but tax ceiling is more accurate.

When a homeowner qualifies for the over-65 exemption, a ceiling is generally established on the amount of school district taxes due on the homestead. In Brazos County, a ceiling may also apply to county and certain city or special-district homestead taxes when applicable.

That does not necessarily mean the home's appraised value stops changing or that the homeowner's entire property tax bill can never increase.

The tax ceiling applies to specific taxing units. There are also circumstances, such as certain improvements to the property, that can affect the ceiling.

The important takeaway is that the over-65 exemption can provide both an additional exemption and valuable protection against future increases in certain property taxes.

Does the Over-65 Exemption Happen Automatically?

Don't assume it does.

If the appraisal district already has the homeowner's date of birth and the information it needs, it may be able to process the exemption without a new application. But homeowners should verify that the exemption has actually been applied rather than assuming everything happened automatically.

That's exactly what prompted this article. My in-laws had reached the qualifying age, but the exemption wasn't in place.

How Do You Apply?

The exemption is handled through the appraisal district where the property is located, not through your REALTOR®, mortgage company, or the county tax office.

For homeowners in Bryan-College Station and Brazos County, that's the Brazos Central Appraisal District.

You'll generally use Texas Form 50-114, Application for Residence Homestead Exemption. The form includes the age 65 or older exemption along with other residence homestead exemptions.

Brazos CAD allows homestead applications to be filed online. Applications and forms are also available through Brazos CAD and the Texas Comptroller.

You'll need to provide the information and documentation requested on the application. Brazos CAD states that homestead applications must be accompanied by a copy of the applicant's driver's license or other information required under the Texas Property Tax Code.

And one important note: there is no fee to file for a homestead exemption with the appraisal district. Be cautious of solicitations offering to file an exemption for you in exchange for a fee.

What If You Turned 65 and Forgot to Apply?

This is the part that mattered in our family's situation.

Missing the initial filing doesn't necessarily mean you've lost the exemption completely.

Texas allows qualifying homeowners to file an age 65 or older exemption application after the normal deadline. Depending on the timing and circumstances, a late application may allow the exemption to be applied to an earlier tax year.

So if you turned 65 last year, or even earlier, and don't remember applying, contact your appraisal district before assuming it's too late.

Ask them to confirm whether the over-65 exemption and applicable tax ceiling are already reflected on your property account and whether you're eligible to file for a prior year.

How Can You Check Your Property?

For Brazos County homeowners, you can search your property through the Brazos Central Appraisal District and review the exemptions currently listed on the account.

If you don't see the exemption you expected, contact the appraisal district directly. Brazos CAD can tell you what is currently on the property and what documentation is needed to make a change.

For homeowners outside Brazos County, contact the appraisal district for the county where your home is located. The basic Texas rules are statewide, but local taxing entities can offer different additional exemptions and tax ceilings.

One More Reason to Review Your Property Taxes Regularly

We tend to think about property taxes when we buy a home or when the appraisal notice arrives each year. But life changes can affect the exemptions available to you.

Turning 65 is a perfect example.

If you have a parent, grandparent, friend, or neighbor who recently turned 65, this is worth mentioning to them too. A quick check of their property account could uncover an exemption they didn't realize they needed to claim.

And if you're not sure where to start with a Bryan-College Station property, Amber Romitelli with NextHome Realty Solutions BCS is always happy to help point you toward the appropriate local resources.

Property tax exemptions depend on individual circumstances and local taxing entities. For questions about eligibility or your specific property tax account, contact your local appraisal district.

🏠 Here to help you find your happy place! 🧡
Amber Romitelli | REALTOR®
NextHome Realty Solutions BCS

Sources

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Brazos Central Appraisal District