Property Tax Exemptions in Fort Bend County: A Guide for Residents
Navigating property tax exemptions can feel like a complex maze, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to reduce your tax bill or a veteran seeking benefits, the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District is here to help. Let’s break down the different property tax exemptions available to you and how to apply for them.
Homestead Exemption
If you own a property and use it as your primary residence, you might qualify for a Homestead Exemption. This exemption reduces the taxable value of your property. For the 2022 tax year, this exemption can be prorated from your move-in date.
- Deadline: April 30th of the tax year for which you’re applying. Late applications are accepted up to two years after the delinquency date.
- Required Documents:
- Texas Driver’s License or ID with an address matching the property.
- Apply Online: Fort Bend Central Appraisal District
Heirship Homestead Exemption
Inheriting property can also bring some tax relief. If you own an heir property and use it as your primary residence, you might be eligible for this exemption.
- Deadline: April 30th of the tax year for which you’re applying. Late applications are accepted up to two years after the delinquency date.
- Required Documents:
- Texas Driver’s License or ID
- Affidavit of ownership and authorization from additional owners
- Death certificate of the prior owner
- Recent utility bill
- Any relevant court records
- Apply Online: Fort Bend Central Appraisal District
Persons Aged 65 or Older Exemption
If you’re 65 or older, you may qualify for a partial exemption on your homestead property. This exemption also provides a tax ceiling (or freeze) on school district taxes.
- Deadline: April 30th of the tax year for which you’re applying. Late applications are accepted up to one year after the delinquency date.
- Required Documents:
- Texas Driver’s License or ID
- Apply Online: Fort Bend Central Appraisal District
Persons Age 65 or Older Surviving Spouse Exemption
If your spouse, who was receiving the over-65 exemption, has passed away, you might qualify for this exemption if you were at least 55 years old when they died.
- Deadline: April 30th of the tax year for which you’re applying. Late applications are accepted up to two years after the delinquency date.
- Required Documents:
- Death certificate of your spouse
- Texas Driver’s License or ID
- Apply Online: Fort Bend Central Appraisal District
Disabled Person Exemption
If you’re disabled, you might be eligible for additional tax relief on your residence homestead. This exemption also provides a tax ceiling for school district taxes.
- Deadline: April 30th of the tax year for which you’re applying. Late applications are accepted up to two years after the delinquency date.
- Required Documents:
- Texas Driver’s License or ID
- Disability benefits letter from a qualifying agency
- Apply Online: Fort Bend Central Appraisal District
Disabled Person Surviving Spouse Exemption
This exemption applies if your spouse, who was receiving the Disabled Person Exemption, has passed away, and you were at least 55 years old at the time of their death.
- Deadline: April 30th of the tax year for which you’re applying. Late applications are accepted up to two years after the delinquency date.
- Required Documents:
- Death certificate of your spouse
- Texas Driver’s License or ID
- Apply Online: Fort Bend Central Appraisal District
Partially Disabled Veteran Exemption
Veterans with a disability rating of at least 10% can apply for this exemption, which may apply to one property and offers varying amounts of relief based on disability rating.
- Deadline: April 30th of the tax year for which you’re applying. Late applications are accepted up to five years after the delinquency date.
- Required Documents:
- Texas Driver’s License or ID
- VA disability benefits letter
- Apply Online: Fort Bend Central Appraisal District
Donated Residence of a Partially Disabled Veteran
If you’ve received a residence as a donation and are a partially disabled veteran, you might qualify for this exemption.
- Deadline: April 30th of the tax year for which you’re applying. Late applications are accepted up to five years after the delinquency date.
- Required Documents:
- Texas Driver’s License or ID
- Documentation of the donation and VA disability benefits letter
- Apply Online: Fort Bend Central Appraisal District
100% Disabled Veteran Exemption
If you have a 100% disability rating or are deemed unemployable, this exemption can significantly reduce your tax burden and provides a tax ceiling for school district taxes.
- Deadline: April 30th of the tax year for which you’re applying. Late applications are accepted up to five years after the delinquency date.
- Required Documents:
- Texas Driver’s License or ID
- VA disability benefits letter
- Apply Online: Fort Bend Central Appraisal District
Surviving Spouse Exemptions
For surviving spouses of service members or first responders who died in the line of duty, there are specific exemptions that may apply. These provide total or partial property tax relief depending on the circumstances.
- Deadlines and Documents: Vary by exemption type. Generally, you’ll need a death certificate, Texas Driver’s License or ID, and relevant documentation about your spouse’s service and death.
- Apply Online: Fort Bend Central Appraisal District
For any of these exemptions, remember to check the deadlines and required documents carefully. Applying online through the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District’s website is a convenient option that can help simplify the process. For more details or to begin your application, visit Fort Bend Central Appraisal District website.
We hope this guide makes navigating property tax exemptions in Fort Bend County a bit easier for you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District—they’re there to help!
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
