How to apply for Texas Property Tax Deferral for Homeowners 65+ or Disabled

Who it's for

Texas homeowners who are 65 or older, or disabled, can put off paying current and past-due property taxes on the home they live in. You sign a tax deferral affidavit (Form 50-126) and file it with the Appraisal District in your county. The taxes are not canceled. They add up with 5% interest a year and become due when you, or a surviving spouse, no longer own and live in the home. While the affidavit is on file, no taxing unit can sue to collect the taxes, a pending tax foreclosure sale stops, and no new penalties are added. A surviving spouse who was at least 55 when the homeowner died can keep the deferral. Qualified disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses and children can also use it.

What you'll need

• Form 50-126, Tax Deferral Affidavit (Age 65 or Older or Disabled Homeowner), signed in front of a notary
• Proof of age or disability, if the Appraisal District asks for it

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Texas Property Tax Deferral for Homeowners 65+ or Disabled. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need form 50-126, Tax Deferral Affidavit (Age 65 or Older or Disabled Homeowner), signed in front of a notary, proof of age or disability, if the Appraisal District asks for it — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check that this program fits your situation. It is for Texas homeowners age 65 or older, disabled homeowners, some qualified disabled veterans, and certain surviving spouses and children. The deferral applies to the home you live in.
2. Get Form 50-126, the Tax Deferral Affidavit (Age 65 or Older or Disabled Homeowner). You can apply online or call 1-800-252-9121 for help.
3. Complete Form 50-126 and sign it in front of a notary.
4. Gather proof of age or disability if the Appraisal District asks for it.
5. File the signed affidavit with your county Appraisal District. Do not file it with the Comptroller.
6. Keep a copy of what you filed and ask the Appraisal District if anything else is needed.

What to expect: After you file, the county Appraisal District reviews your affidavit and may ask for proof of age or disability. Processing times vary, so ask the Appraisal District for an estimate. If the deferral is accepted, taxing units cannot sue to collect the deferred taxes while the affidavit is on file, a pending tax foreclosure sale stops, and no new penalties are added. This deferral is not forgiveness. The taxes stay a lien on the home, grow with 5% interest a year, and come due when you, or a surviving spouse, no longer own and live in the home. Penalties owed before filing are not canceled, and the deferral does not stop collection on a mortgage or other debts. There is no renewal as long as you still own and live in the home.

Renewals

none — the deferral lasts while you own and live in the home