Seniors to see substantial homestead exemption increase

ANAHUAC— Taxes are always a big talking point, and while that remains true, some local taxpayers may be satisfied with recent homestead tax exemption changes.

Chambers County residents who are 65 and older and/or disabled will see significant changes in their property tax exemption.

At the Feb. 25 Chambers County Commissioners Court regular meeting, County Auditor Aaron Thomas prepared an item regarding the property tax exemption for those 65 and older and/or disabled.

This homestead exemption offsets the appraised value of a home, resulting in a lower property tax amount.

The item, introduced by Commissioner Pct. 3 Tommy Hammond originally proposed raising the exemption from $250,000 to $300,000.

“He put some numbers together, so we was looking at just raising it up to $300, but after we got our numbers back, I’m gonna propose that we change that from $300 to $400,000,” Hammond said.

During light discussion, Commissioner Pct. 4 Ryan Dagley said approximately 86% of the seniors in the county won’t pay county property taxes.

“And the other 14 probably live by you,” Hammond said, addressing Dagley, which caused some chuckling in the courtroom.

The item passed, raising the exemption to $400,000, effective Feb. 25.

If a property valuation comes in at $400,000 or less for those 65 and older and/or disabled, they will not have to pay property tax to the county.

If interested in applying for the exemption, the Chambers County Appraisal District accepts applications in person at their office or by mail.

To mail in an application, visit https://www.chamberscad.org/Forms to download and print the form. After gathering proper paperwork, the application can be mailed to Chambers County Appraisal District P.O. Box 1520, Anahuac, Texas 77514-1520.

To apply in person, visit their office at 1222 S. Ross Sterling Ave., Anahuac. For questions, contact the office at 409-267-3795.