Harris County Tax Office, Appraisal District Join Together To Ensure Seniors A Truly Happy Birthday
Agencies Want Taxpayers To Take Advantage Of All Exemptions

HOUSTON – May 24, 2006 – Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Paul Bettencourt and Jim Robinson, the chief appraiser of the Harris County Appraisal District, have begun mailing letters encouraging nearly 7,000 taxpayers over the age of 65 to take advantage of the over-65 homestead exemption.

“They’re not exactly birthday cards, but they sure do have a nice message,” said Bettencourt. “If you are over 65 years of age, you may be entitled to a freeze of your school taxes and a substantial reduction in your overall property tax bill.”

Robinson said his office began mailing the letters today, using tax records and Texas driver’s license information. Robinson said the mailings inform over-65 taxpayers of the exemption and reminds them that applying for the exemption is both easy and free.

“The over-65 tax exemption is one of the most powerful weapons a taxpayer has to control the growth of his or her property tax bill,” said Robinson. “Mr. Bettencourt and I want to make sure that every eligible taxpayer is aware of the program and takes full advantage of it.”

Taxpayers who turned 65 by December 31, 2005, can qualify for the over-65 tax exemption on their homestead for all of 2005, as well as for 2006 and later years. Taxpayers turning 65 during 2006 qualify for a 2006 exemption. In addition to being 65 at the time the original application is filed, the taxpayer must own and occupy the property as his or her principal residence and must not have existing homestead exemptions on any other properties. Married couples qualify for the exemption when either spouse reaches 65.

Taxpayers with questions about the over-65 or other property tax exemptions can call the Tax Office at 713-368-2000 or the Appraisal District at 713-957-7800.

Back to Homepage     Previous Press Releases