Harris County commissioners approve higher property tax exemption for seniors, residents with disabilities

The Harris County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to increase the property tax exemption of individuals with disabilities or those over age 65 from $229,000 of the appraised property value to $250,000 during the June 14 court meeting.

The change would reduce the total county property tax burden—imposed by the county, flood control district and Harris Health System—by up to $120 for covered populations based on the 2021 tax rate, according to the Office of Management and Budget.

Daniel Ramos, executive director of the Harris County Office of Management and Budget, said it was important to make sure the increase kept up with rising home appraisal values.

“The move from $229,000 up to $250,000 reflects the average assessment growth that we’ve seen across the country,” Ramos said.

For more than 95% of residential properties, the increase will be higher than 20%, according to Harris County Chief Appraiser Roland Altinger.

According to the Office of Management and Budget, other property taxpayers would take on a 0.4% larger tax burden; the average single-family residential homeowner would pay about $6 more per year, with no net impact to the county’s revenue.

Houston City Council approved an ordinance increasing the property tax exemption from $160,000 to $260,000 for the same populations in the city of Houston on June 8.

Residents can apply for various homestead exemptions on the Harris County Appraisal District’s website.