The big picture
Individuals can now apply for property tax disaster exemptions, and those awarded will be eligible through the end of the year, Jordan Wise, chief appraiser for the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District, said at a July 22 news conference. Only properties damaged by the two major storms in June and early July will be eligible.
“We know that many families and business owners are struggling to recover and rebuild,” he said. “We want to make sure that folks know this disaster exemption is here to help them and help those who have been significantly impacted by the hurricane.”
The specifics
To apply for exemptions, residents must complete Form 50-312, which can grant temporary exemptions for property damaged in a disaster. The form is available on the FBCAD website and can be submitted online, in-person, by mail or by email to [email protected], according to the FBCAD website.
However, property damages must cost at least 15% of the home value for homeowners to qualify, Wise said.
Exemptions are based on the amount of damage a property received, including:
- Level 1: 15%-30% property damage
- Level 2: 30%-60% property damage
- Level 3: 60% but not a total loss
- Level 4: 100% loss, where repairs are not feasible
The property damage must be related to the home structure, so items such as damaged trees and fences don’t fit the requirement for the exemption, he said.
Looking back
The exemption comes from Section 11.35 of the Texas Tax Code, which allows for residents affected by a disaster to receive temporary exemptions on home values. The exemption was passed by the Texas Legislature in 2019, according to the Texas Comptroller's office.
“It was primarily designed following Hurricane Harvey ... to provide rapid property tax relief to those impacted by a storm,” Wise said.
The first time Fort Bend County residents were eligible for this relief was following Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, he said.
Notable quote
The county aims to limit the financial burden of affected residents who faced hardship since the storms, Fort Bend County Judge KP George said at the news conference.
“These exemptions are not just about property taxes, they represent a lifeline for many of the families and business owners striving to rebuild and recover from this disaster,” he said. “This exemption will alleviate some of the unexpected costs that have come with the damage of Hurricane Beryl.”
The bottom line
Property owners must apply for exemption no later than 105 days after a declaration disaster by the governor, according to the FBCAD website. Deadlines include:
- Oct. 2: Tropical Storm Alberto
- Oct. 21: Hurricane Beryl
